A SUSPECTED rapist was accidentally set free from prison and fled the country before he was due to stand trial, a senior judge revealed today.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was being held in custody before trial for multiple allegations of rape, sexual assault and violence against a woman.

Judge Martin Edmunds KC revealed a court official accidentally told the jail that he could be set free on bail at a pre-trial hearing in early February. The man left Britain shortly after regaining his freedom.

The Recorder of Kensington and Chelsea told Isleworth Crown Court there was apparent confusion over a second criminal case in which the defendant had been granted bail.

The defendant, who denies all the charges against him, was originally due to stand trial in June this year.

He was not brought to court from prison to the hearing when the blunder was made on February 6.

The court was told he left the country on the passport issued by the country where he originates, and cannot now obtain a visa to return to Britain because his British passport is still being held by the police and he also cannot say on which date he will return.

The judge described the error as “extremely rare,” adding: “We will fully investigate how it occurred and what steps can be put in place to prevent it occurring again.

“What I consider is required is confirmation from Foreign or Home Office that confirms that arrangements are in place, that if the defendant chooses to engage with them, will allow him to return to the UK.”