A top Government minister has intervened in the Kevin Chambers rape case and vowed that lessons will be learned.

Paul Boateng, the Minister for the Prison and Probation Service, said he would be examining the results of a review by the Essex Probation Service which is carrying out an internal investigation of its procedures.

Chambers, 36, of Mile End Road, Colchester, raped a 19-year-old woman in an Ipswich underpass hours after his release from a previous rape sentence.

He has been sentenced to life in prison.

Essex Probation Service arranged Chambers' accommodation in Ipswich but told no other agencies, including the town's police, he was there.

Mr Boateng said: "The protection of the public is a top priority for criminal justice agencies. HM Inspectorate of Probation is considering Essex Probation Service's review of its management of this offender's release and resettlement with a view to ensuring that any deficiencies in their handling of the matter are identified and remedied."

Welcoming Mr Boateng's intervention, an Essex Probation Service spokeswoman said: "I am sure in this case there will be things we could have done better.

"But whether they would have prevented the rape is another matter entirely. This man was only allowed out at the end of his sentence, he was not allowed parole earlier."

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