Hundreds of UK sex offenders could be castrated to cut reoffending rates

Sex offenders could be forced to undergo chemical castration, as new figures reveal reoffending rates have dramatically surged.

Ministry of Justice officials are reportedly considering trialling the treatment at six prisons across the UK – with evidence showing that it drastically slashes the chance of reoffending.

The treatment has already been accepted by some 120 serious offenders, although Milly Dowler killer Levi Bellfield and Soham murderer Ian Huntley have declined it.

If the programme is expanded, it is thought that up to 1500 current sex offenders behind bars could be asked to undertake the treatment.

Justice minister Philip Lee is believed to be a leading force behind the new programme, although a concrete decision is yet to be taken.

’The department is looking at whether this programme should be rolled out further’, a source told The Telegraph.

’The decision has not been taken yet, but the questions have been asked.’

The programme comes only weeks after the controversial decision to release John Worboys was quashed by the High Court.

Worboys, 60, was caged indefinitely in 2009 after he was convicted for sexual offences against 12 women, although the true number of his victims is believed to be more than 100.

The decision by the Parole Board to grant him early release faced a huge backlash earlier this year, before the High Court ruled against the decision last week – with Worboys remaining behind bars.