Number plate recognition technology will be used

A new police database and number plate recognition technology will be used to keep tabs on their movements.

Campaigners called for tougher measures following the murder of eight-year-old Mark Cummings in Glasgow last year.

But human rights campaigners said there must be safeguards to make sure any information held is accurate.

Refuse chute

Stuart Leggate was jailed for a minimum of 20 years in October 2004 for the murder of Mark Cummings.

He strangled the eight-year-old then threw him down the refuse chute at flats in Royston, Glasgow.

Leggate had previous convictions for sexually assaulting children and was on the sex offenders' register at the time of the murder.

Campaigners staged a march in Glasgow last year

After his conviction Mark's family led a march to Glasgow's George Square to demand a clampdown on paedophiles.

Under the new scheme police, social workers and the Scottish Prison Service will be able to share information on a national intelligence database known as Visor.

Police said it would allow them to monitor offenders such as Leggate and help cut the number of rapes, child abductions and murders.

As well as having information on sex offenders on the database, the registration number of their car will also be stored.