Black cab rapist’s bid for release turned down

BLACK cab rapist John Worboys will remain behind bars after the Parole Board reversed an earlier decision that he should be released.

The board sparked controversy in January by ruling that Worboys was safe to be freed after around a decade behind bars.

He had been jailed indefinitely in 2009 with a minimum term of eight years after being convicted of 19 offences, including rape, sexual assault and administering a substance with intent.

In March, the Parole Board’s release direction was quashed by the High Court following a legal challenge by two women.

As a result Worboys (61) was kept behind bars pending reassessment by a new panel.

A Parole Board spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board gave a negative decision in the parole review of John Worboys following a paper hearing in October 2018.

“Under current legislation Mr Worboys will be eligible for a further review within two years.

“The date of the next review will be set by the Ministry of Justice.”

The case was examined by a new panel on October 25.

It was considered “on the papers” after Worboys advised the board he would not be seeking an oral hearing, a recommendation for transfer to open conditions or a direction for release.

Nevertheless, the case still had to be looked at in accordance with the original referral.

Among the documents considered by the panel were a 1,255page dossier on Worboys and personal statements from seven of his victims.