07/02/2008
Mental Health Patient On Rape Charge
A man has been charged with the rape of a schoolgirl following his escape from a secure mental health unit near Bristol.
Darren Harkin, aged 20, fled Hayes Hospital in the village of Pilning on Saturday and faces charges of twice raping the 14-year-old in Chepstow the following day.
Hayes is an independent hospital for adults with an autistic spectrum disorder, which is owned and managed by the National Autistic Society.
An independent inquiry will now be carried out by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) after it emerged that there were no public warnings put out by Avon and Somerset Police in the hours following the suspect's escape from hospital.
Harkin appeared before magistrates in Chepstow on Tuesday and was remanded in custody to be committed to Newport Crown Court on February 14.
He will face charges of escaping from lawful custody, burglary, and two counts of rape.
Police spokesman Wayne Baker said: "We've undertaken a full review of all of the circumstances surrounding this case and we've also voluntarily referred the matter to the IPCC.
"As such, and given that criminal proceedings are also underway, it would be inappropriate to comment further."
(GC)
Darren Harkin, aged 20, fled Hayes Hospital in the village of Pilning on Saturday and faces charges of twice raping the 14-year-old in Chepstow the following day.
Hayes is an independent hospital for adults with an autistic spectrum disorder, which is owned and managed by the National Autistic Society.
An independent inquiry will now be carried out by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) after it emerged that there were no public warnings put out by Avon and Somerset Police in the hours following the suspect's escape from hospital.
Harkin appeared before magistrates in Chepstow on Tuesday and was remanded in custody to be committed to Newport Crown Court on February 14.
He will face charges of escaping from lawful custody, burglary, and two counts of rape.
Police spokesman Wayne Baker said: "We've undertaken a full review of all of the circumstances surrounding this case and we've also voluntarily referred the matter to the IPCC.
"As such, and given that criminal proceedings are also underway, it would be inappropriate to comment further."
(GC)
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