Bolton serial rapist Andrew Barlow appeals against recall to prison

Andrew Barlow, now 67, was nicknamed the “Coronation Street Rapist” after committing a series of gruesome sexual assaults on women and girls in Bolton and the wider region in the 1980s.

Barlow, once Britain’s most wanted man, was released from prison in March last year, only to be called back in six weeks later. He has now launched an appeal to have his release released.

A spokesman for the Parole Board said: “We can confirm that Andrew Barlow’s parole review has been referred to the Parole Board by the Minister for Justice and follows standard processes.”

“The decisions of the parole board are based solely on the risk a prisoner might pose to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in society.”

Andrew Barlow was first published in 1988 (Image: PA)

Barlow, who had lived in Bolton and Oldham for a time, was serving 13 life sentences at the time of his release.

His most recent life sentence was imposed in 2017 when he pleaded guilty to raping a 15-year-old girl at knifepoint in Great Lever in January 1982.

The decision to release Barlow met with widespread opposition early last year, including from Graham Stringer, MP for Blackley and Broughton.

However, he was only at large for a few weeks in March 2023 before he breached the terms of his licence.

Barlow was sentenced to life imprisonment again in 2017 (Image: GMP)

The conditions of his release included a ban on travelling anywhere in the Greater Manchester area and an order to remain at a specific address.

He was also ordered to agree to increased surveillance and care and to stay away from an exclusion zone to avoid contact with his victims.

During his brief time of freedom, Barlow was also restricted in his use of electronic technologies.

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

Barlow was brought before Bolton Crown Court again in 2017 (Image: Newsquest)

Barlow, formerly known as Andrew Longmire, was originally imprisoned in 1988 following a series of sexual assaults on women in brick terraced houses.

He was nicknamed the “Coronation Street Rapist” and was briefly Britain’s most wanted man during the manhunt that followed.

Barlow was eventually caught by police when he attempted to shoot his way out of a confrontation with police officers with a shotgun.

As part of its appeal, the parole board will examine a wide range of evidence.

The parole board spokesman said: “A panel will carefully examine a wide range of evidence, including details of the original crime and any evidence of changes in behaviour. It will also examine the harm the crime has caused to victims and the impact it has had on them.”

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“In the run-up to an oral hearing, members read and process hundreds of pages of evidence and reports.

“The hearing may include testimony from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, as well as officials supervising the offender in prison, as well as personal statements from victims.

“It is common practice for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned extensively during the hearing, which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are conducted thoroughly and with the utmost care.

“Protecting the public is our top priority.”

A decision is expected by next week.