10:58pm UK, Friday May 28, 2004

Sex offenders are going to be tracked by satellites and tested with lie detectors according to Government plans.

The Home Secretary wants to use the new technology to keep an eye on prisoners released on licence and offenders given community sentences.

Satellites will track offenders

David Blunkett also wants to expand a new database which allows officers to share information on violent and sex offenders.

And he plans to allow police and probation services to use lie detectors to make sure sex offenders are keeping to the conditions of their release.

Mr Blunkett told Sky News that satellite-tracking would be "a great safeguard, not just for sex offenders but for those repeat and prolific offenders who make our lives a misery where serious crime is committed".

He added: "It will act as a deterrent and ensure that people who are not supposed to go to certain parts of town or near a playground won't. Satellite-tracking acts as a prison without bars."

His proposed measures are the latest in his hard-line approach to policing and are sure to further anger the civil rights lobby.

The Government is already piloting the use of satellite-tracking of offenders who are released on licence.

But Mr Blunkett wants to change the law to extend it to those given community sentences, focusing on sex offenders and those found guilty of domestic abuse.

Although he will take note of the outcome of the pilot scheme, aides say he is determined to push ahead with the plan.

The Home Secretary also wants to make further use of lie detectors to ensure sex offenders are not breaking the terms of their release.

A spokesman for Mr Blunkett said: "We are finalising our preparations for our five-year plan and beyond and are focusing on using new technology to help us tackle offenders in a more effective way."