Coronation Street rapist with 13 life sentences applies for release from prison

Barlow, formerly known as Andrew Longmire, was released from prison in March last year, only to be recalled to prison six weeks later. He has now launched an attempt to gain his release.

Dominic Raab, Justice Secretary last year, opposed the Parole Board’s initial plans to release him, calling his crimes “despicable.” He argued that the panel that approved Barlow’s release “did not take sufficient account of the evidence on risk, and in particular the psychological assessments.”

This was based on slightly differing reports from two psychologists on the safety of Barlow’s release – one declared him safe, while another said he needed further testing “in open prison” before his release could be confirmed.

The parole board rejected Mr Raab’s application in February, saying there had been “no violation of law” and that the panel had considered “all the evidence”.

In May last year, the government confirmed that Barlow had been sent back to prison after an unspecified breach of his conditions.