Oldham launches housing inquiry

Oldham Council has set up an inquiry to find
out why a convicted sex offender was placed in sheltered
accommodation.

Paul Anderson had been given a 12-year prison
sentence and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for burglary and
attempted rape in north Manchester in 1991. When he was released on
parole he was given a home in sheltered accommodation because he
claimed to be suffering from leg problems. Oldham Council did not
realise he had been in prison and was a risk to the public.

Within months of being placed in sheltered
accommodation, Anderson had broken into the homes of two women. He
was jailed for seven years after admitting robbery and two
burglaries at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester. A charge of
indecent assault on one of his victims was allowed to lie on
file.