Child rapist's laptop containing abuse images was 'returned by Essex Police'

An investigation has been launched after Essex police allegedly returned a laptop containing more than 100 images of abuse, to a man who was later jailed for rape.

Paul Ashbury's laptop was taken by police in 2012, after he was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault against a child and possessing indecent images.

The laptop was handed back to Ashbury by Essex Police in 2013, after it dropped a sex assault case against him.

Ashbury was arrested by Norfolk Police last year and jailed for rape and child sex offences.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct said Essex Police may have missed some child abuse images on the computer.

In a statement the watchdog said: "It appears when Norfolk Police officers examined Ashbury's laptop they found additional child abuse images which it is believed had not been identified during Essex Police's investigation."

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it was investigating the force's handling of the investigation.

The investigation will examine the conduct of officers from Essex Police's child abuse investigation team and whether the investigation into Ashbury was carried out in accordance with the force's policy, procedures and guidelines.