Probation errors let attacker murder woman

A convicted sex attacker strangled a 40-year-old woman after the Probation Service mistakenly classed him as low-risk and failed to prevent him absconding from his hostel, a damning official report will say later this month.

The investigation into the murder of Naomi Bryant by Anthony Rice nine months after he was released from a 16-year prison sentence in 2005 will again question the ability of the Probation Service to protect the public from dangerous criminals.

According to reports last night, the investigation commissioned by the Chief Inspector of Probation, Andrew Bridges, will conclude that Rice should have been categorised as "high risk" after convictions for attempted rape, indecent assault and actual bodily harm. It will identify serious errors in monitoring his movements and criticise different groups responsible for monitoring.

The findings will increase pressure on ministers to reform the Probation Service. A report this year found serious errors in the monitoring of the killer of the wealthy banker John Monckton.

Damien Hanson had been released after serving a seven-year sentence for attempted murder.