Paedophile’s Secret Parole Hearing Sparks Outrage After Assault on Five-Year-Old

Tyler Eastley, a convicted paedophile, is set to have a private parole hearing, citing potential distress from a public session as the reason for this controversial decision. In 2018, the 26-year-old was sentenced to nine years for sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl he was babysitting. Despite compelling arguments for transparency, including support from Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, the Parole Board concluded that a public hearing could disturb both Eastley and the victim’s family.

The gravity of Eastley’s actions has sparked outrage among victims’ advocates and officials. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick expressed that prioritizing the feelings of a sex offender over the victims constitutes a “perversion of justice.” Mahmood echoed disappointment at the board’s choice to keep the hearing confidential, emphasizing the need for victims to engage in the parole process.

According to the Parole Board, potential media attention and its resultant stress also played a role in their decision. They acknowledged the serious nature of Eastley’s crime, yet deemed the case not to be one of national significance. This development raises critical questions about the balance between an offender’s rights and the need for public accountability in cases of severe wrongdoing.