'Coronation St' rapist loses bid for freedom

A SERIAL rapist who was given 13 life sentences has lost his new bid for freedom.

- NEAL KEELING

Andrew Barlow, formerly known as Andrew Longmire, was released last year after 34 years in jail but was recalled to prison just six weeks later.

Now aged 68, the Bolton predator was taken to a Probation Service hostel by a police escort on March 6 last year after his release. But he was returned to prison for breach of his licence conditions and due to his behaviour. At the time it was assessed that the risk he poses was not manageable in the community.

Barlow appealed against his recall at a hearing last month but yesterday it was announced by the Parole Board that his application had been refused. A panel decided he “would present a very high risk of a contact sexual offence at this time.” It added: “His risk of serious harm towards other people was considered to be very high.”

He was dubbed ‘The Coronation Street rapist’ as most of the victims were attacked in their own terrace homes in the north of England – the majority living in Greater Manchester. The prospect of his coming out again had angered victims and their families who campaigned to keep him behind bars with the help of veteran Manchester MP, Graham Stringer.