Lotto-win rapist can’t leave Britain

A convicted rapist multi-millionaire who reportedly wanted to start a new life in New Zealand is not allowed to leave Britain.

Sex offender Iorworth Hoare was branded the Lotto rapist after winning $20 million on a ticket bought during a day release from prison in 2004.

He was released from prison last year under life licence, a parole condition for prisoners sentenced to life, and can be returned to jail if he breaks the strict provisions of the licence.

A British tabloid on Sunday reported the 53-year-old wanted to flee to New Zealand and that the move had been agreed by the Home Office and authorities in this country.

The Immigration Service is investigating the report but said a person with Hoare's criminal record would not meet immigration criteria.

Britain's Home Office would not comment on individual cases but a spokeswoman noted that people on life licence cannot leave the United Kingdom.

Hoare was jailed for life in 1989 for rape, two attempted rapes and three indecent assaults. He was released after 16 years but because of his lottery windfall has been unable to escape the media attention.

The News of the World reported that Hoare felt he could not stay in Britain because he would always be under the spotlight.

He wanted to "flee to New Zealand, where no one knows of his evil past", according to the newspaper.