Rapist 'must be found new cell'

A judge has ordered that a near-blind and disabled rapist should be found a different cell because of the convict's squalid conditions behind bars.

Multiple sclerosis sufferer Leonard Treacher was jailed in July 2006 for eight years for a string of sex crimes.

London's High Court heard that he was put in a standard cell which did not comply with disability requirements.

Treacher also complained that he had to wash dishes and empty his commode into the same sink.

He was convicted of a string of sex offences, including multiple rapes, against two young girls.

He was initially sent to a normal cell at Hull Prison, but launched a legal bid to force Justice Secretary Jack Straw to provide him with a special cell.

After two High Court hearings, he was moved to Whatton Prison, in Nottingham, where disabled cells were said to be available.

This case must be considered at a senior level within the Ministry of Justice so that a search can be made for appropriate accommodation Mr Justice Blake, High Court judge

However, Treacher, aged in his 50s and formerly of Winchester Avenue, Grimsby, returned to court on Thursday, claiming that his new accommodation is inhumane and squalid.

Among other things, he says he is required to use a commode, then empty it in the same sink in which he washes his dishes.

Mr Justice Blake said: "Treacher's expectations of a significant change of circumstances have been disappointed.

"The cell is an ordinary cell with some modifications, but not the sort of facilities which would comply with his requirements for a specially-adapted disabled cell.

"There is poor access to the toilet facilities and the need for him to use a commode and empty the contents into the same sink where he washes and washes his dishes. The cell remains defective.

"This case must be considered at a senior level within the Ministry of Justice so that a search can be made for appropriate accommodation, if it is available anywhere in England and Wales, to be allocated to Treacher."

He adjourned the case until after 14 October to allow time for his directions to be complied with.