A TRANSGENDER lag carried out four sex attacks at a women’s prison while on remand for rape, we can reveal.

Karen White, 52, previously known as David Thompson, was sent to HMP New Hall despite not having gender reassignment surgery.

3 Transgender lag Karen White carried out four sex attacks at a women’s prison while on remand for rape

When we first told of the assault allegations in July we were unable to say why she was at the jail to ensure a fair trial.

But we can now reveal she had been charged with three rapes of the same woman between February and December 2016.

White denied them, claiming she had erectile dysfunction, and was remanded in custody.

While at New Hall, West Yorks, White was also charged with a 2003 rape.

3 The first of the attacks took place within days of Karen White arriving at New Hall jail, Wakefield, West Yorkshire Credit: Alamy

She has now pleaded guilty to four rapes.

White also admits two sex attacks at the jail between September and November 2017. A judge ordered the remaining two to lie on file.

She had been jailed in 2001 for assault and gross indecency with a child.

White began identifying as a woman four years ago.

3 She had been jailed in 2001 for assault and gross indecency with a child

To be legally recognised as a transgender woman, a person must have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and lived as a woman for two years.

Friends said White was never diagnosed. They claim she was a drag artist in Manchester not transgender.

She has an ex wife and a son, it is said. About four years ago she moved to Hebden Bridge, West Yorks.

She received help from a transgender support group in Manchester and was referred to a gender identity clinic in Sheffield.

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But she failed to attend three appointments. White, now at Armley men’s jail, will be sentenced at Leeds crown court on October 11.

The Prison Service said: “We apologise sincerely for the mistakes in this case.”

“While we work to manage all prisoners, including those who are transgender, sensitively and in line with the law, we are clear the safety of all prisoners must be our absolute priority.”