A dangerous serial rapist once branded Britain's worst sex offender will remain behind bars after the Parole Board refused his release, citing an 'unexplored area of risk' to the public.
Kevin Lakeman, 63, walked out of his own hearing before it concluded, informing the panel he no longer wished to be considered for release or a transfer to an open prison.
Unexplored Risk and Past Failures
In a damning written summary, the Parole Board report stated: "The panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public."
The report highlighted that the panel disagreed with witness assessments and identified a "serious and critical unexplored area of risk" concerning Lakeman's potential for physical and sexual violence towards intimate partners.
This is not Lakeman's first failure on parole. He was initially released in January 2019, only to be taken back into custody just two months later after making disclosures during polygraph tests and failing to comply with his licence conditions.
A Long History of Violent Offences
Lakeman, from Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, was originally jailed for life in April 1995 for three rapes and an attempted rape, with a minimum term of 12 years. All offences occurred at night and at knifepoint.
His case was later reviewed when another 90 potential victims came forward, leading to him being identified as the country's most prolific sex offender at the time. He was ultimately sentenced to four life sentences and served 24 years in prison.
A significant number of other potential charges were left on file during his trial 31 years ago. A subsequent police review established around 30 potential further charges against him.
Unproven Allegations Factor into Risk Assessment
While Lakeman has admitted responsibility for the offences of which he was convicted, he continues to deny other allegations.
The Parole Board panel, however, stated it considered these unproven allegations, noting similarities to his convicted crimes. "The panel considered that there was a serious possibility that most of the allegations against Mr Lakeman may be true," the report author said.
This led the panel to factor in the possibility that Lakeman may have committed a series of serious sexual offences during the years between his known attacks.
Despite this, police confirmed in May of this year that, following a review, they would not be reopening any historical cases against Lakeman, stating the matter would remain closed.
The Parole Board has firmly concluded that any further risk assessment and potential treatment must be conducted within the secure confines of a closed prison.
