There has long been a debate about the rights and wrongs of a public list of known paedophiles.

The conviction yesterday of paedophile Christopher Adams should serve as a warning of the dangers associated with a list available to communities.

Adams went underground when placed on the sex offenders register because he feared being persecuted for the rest of his life.

As a result of changing his name, he was allowed to work as a supervisor on a children's ride at the Palace Pier in Brighton.

While it is crucial the authorities know exactly where paedophiles are, there is always a danger some will go to extreme lengths to evade detection if they fear for their lives.

However depraved paedophiles may be, the risks they pose to children are undoubtedly increased when they become lost in society.

That cannot be allowed to happen, such is the importance of stringent checks on people who try to gain jobs with access to children.