Victims to get a say on monsters like Worboys going free
victims of serious crime are to be given the right to intervene at parole hearings, ministers promised yesterday.
they will be able to give a statement about how the offence affected them – evidence that could sway a parole board against the release of a dangerous prisoner.
the pledge follows the case of John Worboys, the black cab rapist who was granted parole despite police believing he had committed 100 crimes.
He was set for release after serving just eight years for one rape, five sexual assaults, one attempted assault and 12 drugging charges.
But after an outcry from his victims and a High court challenge, the decision to release him was overturned.
the offer to allow victims a place in parole hearings, which have long been held in almost entire secrecy, is part of a string of reforms in a new victims’ charter made public yesterday.
theresa may said: ‘Nothing can take away the distress and trauma of being a victim of crime, but ensuring people get the support they need as they rebuild their lives is vital.
“How we support victims is fundamental to a caring society, and in recognition of that we are taking steps to enshrine their rights in law for the very first time. the duty of a government is to keep people safe, but it is not enough to simply bring offenders to court. victims need to know they are protected and listened to.’ Among the changes is a promise to allow victims or members of the public to challenge soft sentences over a greater range of crimes.
the shake-up will abolish the ‘same roof’ rule that prevents a crime victim from claiming compensation if they were living in the same home as their attacker before 1979.
A policy paper released by the ministry of Justice said that the rule was ‘unfair and arbitrary’.
Further proposed reforms include telling victims more about what is going on in the courts and parole system, partly through a one- stopshop for them to contact law enforcement agencies, and partly through strengthening the powers of the victims’ commissioner.
there will also be a consultation on the appointment of an independent public advocate to act for bereaved families following large- scale horrors such as the Hillsborough disaster or Grenfell fire.
Among other tasks, the new official would ‘guide families throughout an investigative process, ensuring their voices are heard at inquests’. the decision last year to release Worboys on parole led to the sacking of Parole Board chief Nick Hardwick. He in turn called for the dismissal of Justice secretary David Gauke, whose ministry published yesterday’s paper.
in a second scandal last month former policeman stephen mitchell – given two life sentences at Newcastle crown court in 2010 for rape indecent assault and misconduct in a public office – was discovered to have been released on parole after serving only seven years.
mr Gauke’s paper said: ‘the Worboys case made clear that we must improve the way we communicate with victims.’ it said ministers had already cleared the way for the Parole Board to explain decisions to victims and a consultation is under way on a system to reverse decisions to release prisoners.
it added that victims should be entitled to give a personal statement – similar to those used in sentencing – at parole hearings.
‘Unless there is good reason otherwise, such as safety or security issues, we will presume victims who want to can read out their victim personal statement, or have it read out on their behalf,’ the paper said. ‘We propose to include the presumption as an entitlement in the victims’ code.’
mr Gauke said: ‘many of us will be lucky enough to not have to encounter the justice system as a victim of crime but those who do must not also become a victim of the process.
‘We will enshrine victims’ entitlements in law by beginning a consultation early next year, and otherwise seek to boost the victims’ code.
‘this strategy addresses the changing nature of crime, and sets out the support victims should receive at every stage of their journey through the justice system – from providing statements to police, appearing in court or in front of the Parole Board, and every step in between.’