Paedophile to be deported to UK

Robert Excell has been in jail for nearly 40 years

A British-born sex offender who has spent most of the past 40 years in jail for crimes against children is to be deported from Australia.

Robert Excell, 67, has been released from prison in Perth, his visa cancelled and deportation arranged, Australian immigration officials said.

He was released due to age and ill-health, but under strict conditions that he return immediately to the UK.

Excell emigrated to Australia aged 10 but never became a citizen.

The Western Australian state government once considered him to be so dangerous it vowed never to release him.

His deportation was delayed in March as an investigation into rape claims was carried out.

No charges were laid, clearing the way for his removal.