Legal News

The Metropolitan Police has said mistakes were made over the release on bail of a rapist who went on to rape another woman in exactly the same location.

James Steve Isted was arrested on suspicion of raping a woman in a churchyard in Orpington, Kent on 30 September 2011, only to be released on bail. In May 2012, he raped another woman in the same churchyard – this time he attacked in broad daylight and passersby saw what was happening and called the police.

However, the Met Police now admits the second victim might have been spared her ordeal if Isted had not been released on bail after the first attack.

A trial at Croydon Crown Court found Isted guilty of two counts of rape, as well as two of robbery and one count of assaulting a police officer.

Met Police have apologised to the second rape victim and say mistakes were made, but were unable to go into detail as an inquiry by the Directorate of Professional Standards is taking place.

However a spokesman for the Met Police said after the trial:

“The MPS acknowledges that in this case we made mistakes, and we have apologised to the victim of the second offence.

"Had certain actions been taken earlier, a second offence may have been prevented.”

Isted is due to return to court for sentencing on 7 February.

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