POLICE chiefs have promised to continue to investigate any further allegations against convicted serial rapist Antoni Imiela.

Standing before a media scrum outside Maidstone Crown Court, Assistant Chief Constable David Kelly and Kent Chief Prosecutor Elizabeth Howe, said justice had been done.

Mr Kelly said: "Imiela was a very dangerous, callous and sadistic man and I have no doubt that if we hadn't arrested him when we did he would have gone on to commit further offences.

"Whether or not there are other offences in his past we will now look at that and in the fullness of time and with evidence we will proceed."

He said those involved in the investigation could not underestimate the importance of DNA, which had played a crucial part in Imela being caught.

However the case's senior officer expressed regret that Imelia's arrest had not been sooner to prevent later attacks but said that within 10 hours of a DNA match being made he was in custody.

As for the victim whose case remains on file after the jury failed to reach a verdict on her allegations, Mr Kelly expressed sympathy.

He said: "I am disappointed for the victim of these particular offences. She can take comfort that he has been convicted of the other offences."

Ms Howe added: "We were confident we had an overwhelming case against him. His defence was that of a desperate man. He is now serving a number of life sentences and the country will be a safer place without him."