Worboys would not be able to get fair trial, victims told

POLICE told victims of John Worboys that he would not be charged with more sex attacks because he would not get a fair trial, a letter has shown.

It emerged yesterday that five days after Worboys’ trial ended in 2009, Det Insp David Reid wrote to the victims and confirmed 85 women had come forward to police.

Det Insp Reid wrote in a question and answer form: “Is he [Worboys] likely to be charged with other offences now?” to which he replied: “No. This is partly because of the lengthy sentence anticipated. Also, given the significant publicity that the case has attracted, it is unlikely that he would be able to obtain a further fair trial.”

Worboys, 60, is due to be freed from jail under special conditions after serving 10 years for one charge of rape, five indecent assaults and the drugging of victims. Police believe he committed more than 100 sex attacks while working as a taxi driver in London.

Worboys, called “the black cab rapist”, was given an indeterminate sentence and ordered to spend a minimum eight years in jail. A Parole Board decided last month that Worboys no

‘It is clear from the judge’s sentencing remarks that he is considered a dangerous offender’

longer posed a significant risk to the public and should be freed. However, the letter to victims also gave them written reassurances after his conviction that Worboys would “to all intents and purposes” serve a life sentence.

After the 2009 trial, Anthony Connell, the senior prosecutor, wrote to victims. He said: “Merely because he is allowed to apply after eight years, does not mean that he will be granted parole. It is clear from the judge’s sentencing remarks that he is considered a dangerous offender.”

The Ministry of Justice has the power to decide the date when Worboys can be released. But it can only delay his release by a few extra days or risk Worboys suing for what would be tantamount to false imprisonment.

Worboys’ licensing conditions are expected to be set in the coming days. A judicial review brought by two of his victims will seek to put a stay on his release. A fresh police investigation into a sex assault claim made in 1997 could also lead to his parole being revoked.