One-in-40 women in Britain victim of sex crime in 2012

This includes one in 200 women - around 85,000 - who have been subjected to rape, according to the most detailed ever analysis of statistics by the Ministry of Justice.

The ministry report, according to The Sun tabloid, estimates there are up to 517,000 sex offences a year - including as many as 95,000 rapes. But shockingly only 5,620 sex offenders - including 1,070 rapists - were actually convicted.

The report also reveals 1,500 sex offenders were given cautions in 2011 - including 19 who were cautioned for rape.

Justice Minister Jeremy Wright said: "All sexual offences are abhorrent. Very tough sentences are available to the courts for those who commit the most serious offences including a new mandatory life sentence which we have introduced for anyone convicted of a second very serious sexual or violent crime."

The study also showed that it took up to 496 days to finish a case - from the day a sex offence is committed to when it was resolved in court.

The majority of this time - 295 days - falls between the date of the offence and the date the defendant is charged.