THE Worcester News has received national attention since revealing that almost 100 sex offenders had been released with just a caution.

On Monday, we revealed exclusively 93 people had been given a caution between April 2001, and March 2006, despite committing a sexual offence.

Shockingly, the list included eight rapes, one charge of gross indecency with a child, 41 indecent assaults, six charges of unlawful sexual intercourse and 17 sexual assaults.

We obtained the figures under the Freedom of Information Act and the results were quickly picked up by national newspapers.

Yesterday our news editor Stephanie Preece was asked to speak on Radio 4's Today programme and Radio Five Live's breakfast show.

"The figures are shocking," she said. "I think our readers will want to know why these offenders have been allowed to avoid court.

"By accepting a police caution these people are allowed to remain anonymous and get on with their daily lives."

West Mercia Constabulary said that it was important to remember that anyone accepting a caution had to admit their guilt and would have a criminal record.