SURREY Police has confirmed it is reviewing all of its rape cases after a judge criticised mistakes by the force that saw charges against an Oxford University student dropped just days before his trial.

Oliver Mears, 19, spent two years on bail accused of raping and assaulting a woman in July 2015.

But last month, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided to discontinue the trial after a review, partly on the basis of fresh evidence, including a diary that supported Mr Mears’ case but was only passed to the CPS earlier this month.

Responding, Judge Jonathan Black said: “Both Oliver Mears and the complainant have had this matter hanging over their heads for two years in circumstances, had the investigation been carried out properly in the first instance, that would not have led to this position.”

In a statement issued after the case collapsed, Jon Savell, the force’s head of public protection, said: “We accept that there were flaws in the initial investigation. It was not expedient and the investigator did not examine the victim’s digital media during the initial stages of the investigation or follow what we would consider to be a reasonable line of enquiry.”

He added: “We are reviewing all our current rape cases to ensure that investigations are thorough, timely, effective and compliant with policy and guidelines.”