THE Government has launched an investigation how a predatory paedophile was able to target another young girl – almost immediately after he was released early from prison.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed it would be reviewing how 52-year-old Westcliff man Davy Nicholls was able to begin abusing a young girl after being released early on licence from a four-and-a-half year prison sentence imposed in 2009.

The mother of his victim, who is now 13, said Nicholls wormed his way into the family’s affections as a trusted friend in order to target her daughter, She said he never displayed any hint of his sick offending past – despite being monitored by police and probation for the remainder of his sentence.

The victim’s mother said: “I hope lessons can be learned, but it’s always easier to saywith hindsight.

“In many respects I can’t see anyone being to blame, because I think the justice system is at fault for letting him out early in the first place The police were fabulous throughout this.”

He was only caught last November when a customer at his London Road shop noticed an indecent photo on his computer.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice, which oversees the National Probation Service, said: “Our sympathies are with the victim’s family.

“Public protection is our priority and we are determined to have the best possible systems in place to supervise offenders in the community and protect the public.

“A review is now being carried out into this case.”

Essex Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston said he had no doubt specialist officers from the force did “excellent work” in regards to Nicholls’ case, but they were “limited” by law in how closely they could monitor his activities.

Mr Alston added he would like to see the police gain access to any computer an offender is using, not just the ones they own.

Nicholls, of Manor Road, Westcliff, was sentenced to 15 years in prison when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court last Wednesday and will serve at least ten until he can be considered to be released on licence.

He had previously been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in 2009 after abusing a 12-year-old girl over six months the previous year.