16 May 2020
Repeated warnings over serial rapist's risk
''EXCLUSIVE More than 700 of the serious offenders have dropped off the radar for more than five years, but have evaded the police and are walking the streets''
''Our investigation comes after probation chiefs were blasted for failing to recall serial rapist Joseph McCann before he attacked a string of victims aged between 11 and 71.
A review published by the Ministry of Justice found nine occasions where McCann, 35, could have been jailed for breaking his licence conditions.
But bungles left the beast free to carry out eight rapes on women and children during a two-week reign of terror in April and May last year.''
Dame Vera Baird QC, Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, said: “The crucial thing for me is that, where appropriate, the victims of these offenders are kept informed.''
"Victims of serious sexual and violent offences who have opted to be in the Government’s Victim Contact Scheme have a right to be kept informed of key decisions in relation to the offender’s release and licence conditions.
“This means being told when an offender has been recalled, when they are located and returned to prison and when they will be re-released or have a case referred to the Parole Board.
“Despite the fact that a period of time may have elapsed between the original offence and the breach of licence, in the case of victims of serious sexual or violent offences, knowing the offender’s whereabouts is unknown by the authorities can have a big effect upon the victim’s sense of wellbeing.”
