A dossier of soft sentencing for child abusers in Bradford is to be used in a sweeping Government review of sex crimes.

Home Secretary Jack Straw has pledged to include a file given to him by Bradford MP Terry Rooney in the wide-reaching examination.

The Bradford North MP, who has campaigned for tougher sentences for paedophiles, was told by Mr Straw that protection for children was the paramount aim of the review.

The review is examining the options for introducing new indeterminate detention powers for dangerous offenders who have severe personality disorders, which will include some sex offenders.

Bradford cases of lenient and inconsistent sentencing of paedophiles - all highlighted in the T&A and presented to Mr Straw by Mr Rooney - include that of disabled sex offender Stephen Hall. He was convicted last summer of three offences of gross indecency against young children, but was put on probation for two years and ordered to attend 20 sessions at the Bradford Child Sexual Abuse Perpetrators Project.

The dossier also featured the case of Roman Catholic priest David Crowley, who admitted 15 sex offences over 11 years against young boys in Bradford, Huddersfield, Leeds and Devon. He was sentenced to nine years. Mr Rooney said at the time that he believed people in a position of trust should receive more stringent sentences.

And earlier this year, convicted paedophile Terence Bolton was jailed for only three-and-a-half years at Bradford Crown Court after admitting five sex offences against young boys - despite having convictions for identical offences in the 1970s.

Mr Rooney said: "I have very grave concerns about lenient and inconsistent sentencing and have campaigned on this because some of the sentencing has been a disgrace.

"Mr Straw thanked the T&A for providing cuttings about these case studies and they will form part of the review."

The review aims to produce clear and coherent offences which protect the vulnerable from abuse and exploitation and enable offenders to be appropriately punished. It is likely to lead to the publication of a Bill next spring.

Mr Straw said today: "I was grateful to have the chance to speak with Terry Rooney. The Government is determined to ensure that children are given the fullest protection."

At least 110,000 men in Britain have child sex abuse convictions but many voluntary groups do not have access to police records to vet them.

A Home Office spokesman said: "The whole purpose is to collect opinions and evidence and it's very welcome to have evidence collected by an MP like this. The review team would look at any evidence that people were able to submit."

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