Penny Mordaunt apologies for Bassingbourn Libyan soldier rapes in Cambridge

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-34216023

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A minister has apologised for "heinous" crimes carried out by Libyan soldiers brought for training to a British Army base in Cambridgeshire.

Five were jailed earlier this year after a series of sex attacks in Cambridge on 26 October 2014.

Defence Minister Penny Mordaunt made a personal statement of apology and regret for the attacks.

The training scheme was part of an government agreement after the 2011 collapse of Muammar Gaddafi's regime.

It was subsequently halted and the soldiers not involved in the attacks were sent home.

Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner had urged the apology in a Commons adjournment debate because ministers had only expressed "regret".

Attacks preventable

Ms Mordaunt said: "I would like to add my personal voice to say how sorry I am this has happened.

"These were heinous crimes committed against entirely innocent, random passers-by."

Ms Mordaunt, the Armed Forces Minister, said a report into the incident revealed failures in communication with the local community.

"Unfortunately the local MP, the local councils and communities most affected were not told there would be periods where trainees were not escorted.

"Procedures have been reviewed and measures are in place to assure better communication if ever a similar event arises."

Mr Zeichner said the attacks had been preventable as the cadets were only supposed to be allowed out on supervised visits.

Concerns were raised after an incident on 17 October and measures were taken to "add additional deterrent to leaving the camp" but a week later the attacks took place.