A DISGRACED former policeman has succeeded in his bid to remove a restrictive condition from his sexual offences prevention order (SOPO).

Convicted rapist John Blott was issued with a ten-year order in June after a district judge said he had failed to show any insight into the horrific effects of his offending.

The order is designed to curb his dangerous sexual behaviour.

The former Middlesbrough constable and ex-professional footballer was jailed for ten years in May 1998 for raping two girls, aged 16 and 18, as well as a charge of sexual assault.

The 43-year-old, formerly of New Marske, east Cleveland, appealed against the order at Teesside Crown Court yesterday.

But following legal arguments between his barrister Graeme Gaston and the barrister for Cleveland Police, Rebecca Smith, the judge agreed to amend the order to enable him to work.

The order, which includes eight conditions, was designed to prevent the fitness fanatic, who now lives in Middlesex, from coaching any female, unless they are aware of his conviction for rape, and being alone with any female in private without them knowing his history.

The amendment related to one condition that forbid him from becoming emotionally involved with any female he associated with. It was changed, under agreement with Cleveland Police, to form a friendship with a female without informing her of his convictions.

Mr Recorder Christopher Batty said he would amend the order as both sides agreed the alteration that would allow Blott to apply for jobs where women work.