Stephen Glascoe, a retired GP who was among the alleged abusers, called for a national inquiry

Charges against five men accused of being in a paedophile ring have been dropped two weeks before their trial after prosecutors admitted having concerns about the alleged victim’s evidence. During controversial regression therapy the woman had recalled being abused throughout childhood, and she had exchanged hundreds of emails and text messages with the officer in charge of her case.

Her alleged abusers, including a retired GP and social worker, yesterday called for a national inquiry into the handling of rape and sex abuse cases by police and prosecutors. They have described the woman as a serial fantasist.

Patrick Graham had been due to stand trial at the end of this month

The alleged victim received £22,000 from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority with the support of the police after contacting officers in 2012, despite later refusing to co-operate. She