Man freed under early prison release scheme allegedly sexually assaulted woman on same day

A man allegedly sexually assaulted a woman on the same day he was released from prison under the government's early release scheme.

He allegedly reoffended in Sittingbourne in Kent and was later arrested at an address in south London.

He was among more than 1,700 inmates released from prison last week in a bid to ease prison overcrowding, which the government said did not include terrorists and previously convicted sex offenders.

The former inmate appeared at a magistrate's court on Thursday charged with sexual assault. He is due to appear at crown court next month.

He has been recalled to prison.