The black-cab rapist John Worboys has been denied parole for the second time, as confirmed by the Parole Board to his victims on Thursday. The board decided against either releasing Worboys or allowing him to move to open conditions within prison, where offenders are held under minimal security and can work in the community.
Background of the Case
Worboys, now 68, was convicted in 2009 for assaulting his victims after drugging them with spiked drinks. He was found guilty of sex offences against 16 women, but police believe he may have had more than 100 victims. He would coax his victims into taking drug-laced drinks after they entered his taxi, often claiming to have won the lottery or betting on horses and showing them a bag of cash.
Victim Reactions
One of Worboys' victims, known as Sarah, who remained anonymous during the campaign to keep him imprisoned, expressed relief: "Thank goodness the right decision has been made and the Parole Board have recognised what a danger he is. We can all sleep lighter knowing he is still behind bars." Carrie Johnson, wife of former prime minister Boris Johnson, who testified against Worboys after taking a drink she believed was spiked, also commented: "It has been a hugely anxious wait knowing that Worboys was up for parole again. The relief I feel knowing that he will remain behind bars is hard to put into words. Women and girls across Britain are safer as a result of this decision."
Parole Hearing Timeline
The Guardian understands there is no fixed date for his next parole hearing, but the board estimates it could be in about one to two years. This depends on a decision from the Ministry of Justice and the completion of work required for parole eligibility. Worboys had previously been denied parole in 2018 after a legal challenge by his victims reversed an earlier decision to release him. A subsequent probation report in August 2019 found he was "potentially just as dangerous now as at the point of the first sentence."
Further Convictions
In 2019, four more victims came forward, leading to Worboys receiving two life sentences with a minimum term of six years. This development followed the release of an ITV drama, Believe Me, focusing on Sarah's story and the Metropolitan Police's failures. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the police owed human rights damages to two victims who reported assaults in 2003 and 2007 but were not arrested or charged, allowing Worboys to assault up to 100 more women.
The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for comment.
