The father of a 12-year-old girl, who was assaulted by a dangerous sex attacker, has spoken of his disappointment after a barrister was cleared of professional misconduct charges over the prosecution of the case.

A Bar Standards Board panel last week rejected all allegations against Abdul Iqbal relating to his handling of the prosecution of Dominic Brannan, who seized and molested two schoolgirls, aged 12 and 13, in separate assaults within minutes of each other.

Brannan, 32, of Shetcliffe Lane, Bierley, Bradford, was given a 12-year extended sentence at Bradford Crown Court in June 2010 after pleading guilty to sexual assault and assault by penetration. He was given a four-year prison sentence with an extended eight years on licence.

The father of the youngest victim lodged a complaint after Mr Iqbal wrongly told the court there was no medical evidence about injuries his daughter suffered in the attack.

The barrister faced three charges of professional misconduct but the BSB panel dismissed them all after a full-day hearing.

But panel chairman Philip Katz QC said: “This case reveals a very, very sad chapter of disasters in relation to the handling of a very serious prosecution.

“A number of people were seriously at fault. At the end of the day, not only the victim of those offences herself, but her family, have been left feeling, justifiably, that the criminal justice system has let them down.”

Yesterday, the father of the girl said it was clear from the remarks of the panel that there were serious shortcomings in the handling of the case by the prosecution, and a number of things not done which could have been done.

The man, who cannot be named, to protect the identity of his daughter, said: “We are disappointed at the outcome of this case.

“This matter has never been about increasing sentence, but to highlight serious failings by the criminal justice system to provide proper sentencing.”

He added: “The panel chairman said it was a series of disasters and several people were seriously at fault – yet no-one was brought to account.”

Mr Iqbal, a barrister for more than 17 years, told the hearing he made detailed inquiries of the CPS before the court case and no medical evidence was mentioned. The panel noted the judge would not have passed a longer sentence if he had seen the medical reports.