This is another failure of the Parole Board to use common sense

MP CONDEMNS DECISION TO RELEASE SERIAL RAPIST AS HE IS RECALLED TO PRISON AFTER JUST SIX WEEKS

- NEAL KEELING

A SERIAL rapist who destroyed lives across Greater Manchester has been recalled to prison just SIX WEEKS after being released.

Andrew Barlow, formerly known as Andrew Longmire, was handed 13 life sentences for his evil crimes but was allowed out of jail after 34 years.

Now aged 66, the Bolton predator was taken to a Probation Service hostel by police escort on March 7 after his release. But he is now back in prison for breach of his licence conditions and due to his behaviour, the M.E.N. can reveal. It has been assessed that the risk he poses is now not manageable in the community.

The development has angered victims and their families who campaigned to keep Barlow behind bars with the help of veteran Manchester MP, Graham Stringer. As previously reported in the M.E.N., Barlow's release was delayed after the then justice minister and deputy prime minister, Dominic Raab, asked the Parole Board to reconsider its decision. Mr Raab described Barlow's offences as 'despicable' and said in January: "My thoughts remain with the victims of Andrew Barlow, whose despicable crimes blighted the lives of dozens of women.