Caught, jailed – and almost freed

Sentenced rapist’s last nine years

Mar 13 2009

John Worboys, a London cab driver, is convicted of 19 serious sexual offences against 12 women from 2006 to 2008. But police believe that he has attacked more than 100 women.

Apr 21

Worboys is given an indeterminate sentence and ordered to serve a minimum of eight years, meaning he is eligible for parole no earlier than Feb 14 2016.

May 18 2015

With nine months to go to parole, Worboys admits responsibility for his crimes and cries during a psychological assessment.

Sept 10

Worboys is refused parole, deemed a high risk and ordered to remain in Wakefield category A prison. He is told he cannot reapply for two more years.

June 8 2017

The Parole Board grants his request for a new hearing. His lawyers write, acknowledging it would take a “brave Parole Board” to move him to an open jail. Release is not even considered.

‘He said that that he had “always felt guilty” regarding his offences’ First psychologist, July 2015

‘He was concerned not to cause them [his victims] too much harm’ Second psychologist, Aug 2017

Aug 10

Worboys is interviewed for three-and-a-half hours by another psychologist who concludes he is now “low risk”. Worboys admits attacking only 12 victims and lies about the date of his first offending.

Nov 8

His Parole Board hearing takes place at Wakefield prison and he gives oral evidence for 50 minutes. The Ministry of Justice official fails to grill him on his further offending and inconsistencies in his claims.

Dec 26

The Parole Board writes to Worboys informing him of his release, telling him there is a consensus among psychologists he is a low risk. Under licence, he will not be tagged and can live in London.

Jan 4 2018

Some of Worboys’ victims learn of his release through reports in the media after the news has been leaked. It causes widespread outrage.

Jan 14

David Gauke, the Justice Secretary, announces he is looking at bringing a judicial review of the Parole Board decision but backs down five days later after legal advice.

Mar 13

Two of Worboys’ victims – known only as DSD and NBV – begin their own judicial review after funding the legal action through an internet appeal.

Mar 28

Judge Sir Brian Leveson rules that the decision to release Worboys be quashed because the Parole Board panel failed to fully investigate his offending. He orders a new hearing for a later date.

‘I find it difficult to justify why he should remain in custody’ Third psychologist, Sept 2017