Fears are mounting that one of Britain's most notorious serial sex offenders, John Worboys, could soon be freed from prison after detectives dropped a major investigation into a historic rape allegation.
Case Closed: Investigation into Blackpool Allegation Dropped
Lancashire Police have confirmed they have closed a probe into a rape claim against the 68-year-old, known as the black cab rapist. The fresh allegation related to an attack said to have occurred in Blackpool more than 25 years ago, when Worboys was working as a stripper and kissagram under the name 'Terry the Minder'.
A woman came forward alleging she was attacked in the seaside town during the 1990s. However, after months of investigation, police have now dropped the case. A spokesperson for Lancashire Police stated simply: "The investigation has now been closed."
Parole Board Review and Fears for Public Safety
This development paves the way for Worboys to make a fresh bid for freedom. The Parole Board is set to analyse his case, and he could potentially be released by the end of the year after serving 16 years behind bars.
Worboys is currently serving two life sentences. He was first jailed indefinitely in 2009 for 19 offences against 12 women, with a minimum term of eight years. Police believe his true number of victims exceeds 100. He was handed additional life sentences in December 2019 after new victims came forward, with a judge imposing a minimum term of six years and describing him as a "dangerous" individual and a "continuing risk."
A 2019 report warned he was "potentially just as dangerous now as at the point of the first sentence." Sentencing him that year, Justice McGowan said: "I find you are currently dangerous. I do not know when, if ever, you will cease to be a risk."
Chilling Testimony from a Former Friend
Dave Hanson, a former friend and fellow performer, was interviewed by detectives regarding the Blackpool claim. He has voiced his horror at the investigation being closed, fearing it was the last chance to hold Worboys accountable for his full offending.
"I fear that decision means the last chance to properly nail Worboys for his full offending has gone. I fear it paves the way for his release. It's horrific," Hanson said. "If he is given freedom, he will strike again and again. He will never stop. You can't rehabilitate a monster like that."
Hanson revealed that Worboys had confided in him about using date-rape drugs as far back as 1998, long before his known crimes came to light. He claimed Worboys once urged him to try drugging women with GHB, saying chillingly: “They won’t even know, they’ll do whatever you want. I’m telling you, it works.”
Hanson has urged any other potential victims or witnesses to come forward, stating: "I want to make sure he is never released from prison. He has ruined so many lives... He is cunning and will do anything to be released."
A History of Police Errors and Public Outcry
Worboys' reign of terror in London involved plying vulnerable women with champagne laced with sedatives in the back of his taxi, often inventing stories about lottery wins. A series of police errors allowed him to continue offending for years, despite 10 women reporting strikingly similar allegations between 2002 and 2008.
In a controversial move, the Parole Board cleared him for release in 2018 after he had served 10 years, without informing his victims. That decision was successfully overturned in the High Court following a challenge by two victims and a widespread public outcry, which prompted more women to come forward.
One victim, known only as DSD, has expressed deep concern about his potential release, stating: "He has destroyed so many lives and I still believe he is capable of doing more harm. I fear for other women if he is ever released." With the latest police investigation now closed, those fears have been reignited.
