A Bradford MP today demanded that a disabled sex offender - given probation by magistrates - be sent to jail.

Terry Rooney wants the Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, to review the case of wheelchair-bound Stephen Hall, 41, who was convicted of three offences of gross indecency against young children at his home in Rokeby Gardens, Greengates.

Hall and his wife Pat were yesterday re-housed out of the area for their own protection by Bradford Council after residents drew up a petition demanding that he be moved.

Mr Rooney (Labour, Bradford North) criticised the fact that Hall's case was not dealt with by the Crown Court.

"I have written to the Lord Chancellor to ask him to review Hall's sentence," he said.

"Magistrates, who have power to jail people for a maximum of six months for one offence, should not be passing sentence on these people. It should go to Crown Court and a minimum of ten years should be imposed.

"These people have got to be taken out of circulation. They will abuse children again and again and again."

Hall, who pleaded guilty when he appeared before magistrates, was put on probation for two years, ordered to spend 20 sessions at the Bradford Child Sexual Abuse Perpetrators Project and placed on the national sex offenders register.

But the families of his victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and residents in Rokeby Gardens were also furious at the magistrates' decision.

Councillor Jim O'Neill, deputy chairman of housing and chairman of housing services for Bradford Council, has launched an inquiry into Hall's case which could result in him being refused accommodation by the authority.

Coun O'Neill said it was law that the Council should re-house and not discriminate against sex offenders when they are let out of prison or released on probation.

"Personally, I would like that law amended," he said. "To commit such an offence is part of someone's mental make-up and it should be treated accordingly. They should be locked up until someone says they are safe to be let back out into the community.

"Anyone who commits an offence while in Council property automatically has their tenancy agreement reviewed.

"In this case, that process will be fast-tracked."

Residents in Rokeby Gardens welcomed the stance taken by Mr Rooney and Coun O'Neill.

One said: "Most of us believe he should have been locked up and it's pleasing to see people who have influence taking our view."

Hall claims he pleaded guilty to the offences which took place in late 1996 and early 1997 to protect the children from having to give evidence at crown court, although he said he did not carry out some of the offences specified in court.

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