Paedophiles should face the death penalty but only if their victims are under 13, says Ukip leadership hopeful

A UKIP leadership hopeful said he believes the courts should bring back the death penalty for paedophiles - but only if their victims are under 13.

John Rees-Evans, one of four candidates battling to replace Nigel Farage, said his definition of a paedophile only applied to those attracted to 'pre-pubescent' children.

2

He said: "With paedophile, I wouldn’t necessarily say someone who [is sexually attracted to a child who] looked 18 and was 15 and a half."

Mr Rees-Evans made his controversial statement in a radio debate with his three fellow candidates on LBC tonight.

He added: "Obviously it depends on what you define as a paedophile. In some countries it is legal to get married much younger."

It is the latest remark by Mr Rees-Evans to make headlines.

Last month he had to face questions over his bizarre claim that a gay donkey had raped his horse.

Related Stories

COP WEB FAILURES

One in seven paedos escape arrest because cops don't have 'strong internet spying powers' claims Minister

HALLOWEEN SEX ATTACK FEARS

Paedophiles could use Halloween to dress up as creepy clowns and abuse children

'WHO'D WANT KIDS BURIED NEAR HIM?'

Jimmy Savile's body to stay facing schools because no one will pay to dig him up

DEPRAVED

Sick paedophile records sexually assaulting six-year-old alongside HIV positive man then posts video online

He made the unusual claim on the campaign trail in 2014 but later dismissed it as 'playful banter'.

He also faced questions over reports he took a handgun into an Ikea store in Bulgaria 'in case terrorists laid siege to the building'.

His latest comments on paedophilia are likely to cause further outrage, reports the .

Mr Rees-Evans said he supported the death penalty for child killers and child sex offenders but insisted on giving his own definition for paedophilia, describing it as 'someone who is pre-pubescent'

2

"I would have the death penalty for somebody [who is sexually attracted to a child] who is evidently pre-pubescent."

Asked by rival Suzanne Evans if 13-year-olds were then 'fair game,' Mr Rees-Evans replied: "They’re fair game for the current punishment that we dish out to people right now, yeah."

Paul Nuttall, the Ukip leadership front-runner, said he fully supports bringing back capital punishment for certain crimes, such as child killers.

But Ms Evans, his closest rival in the race, said she was 'vehemently opposed' to the death penalty.