A POLICE officer branded a public danger and jailed for life seven years ago for raping vulnerable women is free.

Northumbria Police constable Stephen Mitchell was told he might never be released when he was sentenced in 2011 for the rape of two women and misuse of his position to abuse five more.

However, it has emerged despite a warning from the trial judge that the then 42-year-old would serve seven-and-a-half years behind bars before he could apply for parole, he was released.

A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: “We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board directed the release of Mr Stephen Mitchell, following an oral hearing in September 2017.

"Parole Board decisions are solely focused on whether a prisoner would represent a significant risk to the public after release. The panel will have carefully looked at a whole range of evidence, including details of the original evidence and any evidence of behaviour change.

"We do that with great care and public safety is our number one priority.”