The sentencing this week of serial rapist PC David Carrick has once again cast a shadow on all those who work within policing across England and Wales.

The case itself has highlighted gaps in the vetting and misconduct processes that could have identified the threat posed by the Metropolitan Police officer much earlier, and this must be acted upon.

This person should never have been a police officer and his vile abuse of authority is unconscionable.

No sentence will ever ease the pain for the victims, or their family and friends and it will be impossible to undo the terrible damage this man has inflicted. Our thoughts are with the victims at this difficult time.