Major failings in dealings on sex attacker

RAMPAGE Joseph McCann

A SERIAL rapist went on a sex attack spree once freed from prison after “major failings” by probation staff, inspectors have found.

Joseph McCann, 34, got 33 life terms in December for attacks on 11 women and children in a 15-day spree in London, the North West and Watford, Herts.

It came weeks after his release from jail after a probation service error.

After an independent review, Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell said: “[He] was managed by an unstable team, lacking experienced and skilled practitioners.”

He called for more beds at approved premises.

Alan Collins, a lawyer for McCann’s victims, called for such offenders to be “red flagged” to alert those dealing with their case.