Probe as rapist attends Labour bash

The Prime Minister has asked party officials to investigate how Owen Oyston came to attend the event at Wembley Stadium on Thursday night.

He has also ordered that no money should be accepted from the disgraced tycoon, whose presence at the bash was uncovered by BBC Two's Newsnight. The programme believes Oyston paid £10,000 for a table.

The event was held to boost Labour's campaigning war-chest at a time when its finances have hit a low in the wake of the "cash-for-honours" affair.

It was attended by former prime minister Tony Blair, figures from the world of sport such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce, and Simply Red singer Mick Hucknall.

Oyston was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court for six years in May 1996 for raping a 16-year-old would-be model.

Trial judge Mr Justice McCullough described his offences as "horrendous".

He raped the teenager in a three-in-a-bed sex session at his isolated country home, Claughton Hall in Lancashire, in 1992.

He was released after three-and-a-half years.

A spokesman for Mr Brown said: "Mr Brown did not meet Mr Oyston, nor was he aware of his presence in advance. Mr Brown has asked the general secretary of the Labour Party to investigate the circumstances, but he has already instructed him that any donation from Mr Oyston should not be accepted."