Ex-prisoner takes Ministry to court over parole changes made after Worboys case

NEW PAROLE rules introduced in the wake of an uproar over the planned release of black cab rapist John Worboys are being challenged at the High Court.

Former prisoner Neil Huxtable is bringing a High Court action against the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) over the “reconsideration” procedure which means a Parole Board decision to direct a prisoner’s release is considered “provisional” for 21 days to allow time for a decision to be reassessed if requested.

Huxtable, convicted of robbery in 2008, argues the new procedure is unlawful and that the MoJ acted beyond its power by introducing it.

The “reconsideration” procedure was introduced in July last year.

It means that Parole Board decisions regarding a prisoner’s release can be challenged as being either irrational or procedurally unfair within the 21-day period. The procedure only applies if a prisoner is serving a certain type of jail term, such as an indeterminate or extended sentence – which are reserved for dangerous offenders.

It was introduced around a year-and-a-half after a Parole

Board direction to release former London taxi driver Worboys, who became known as the black cab rapist after attacking women in his hackney carriage.

The direction was overturned by the High Court in March 2018 following a legal challenge brought by two of his victims.

The decision to direct his release provoked an outcry and Professor Nick Hardwick, who was then Parole Board chairman, stood down following the High Court’s ruling.

The Justice Secretary at the time, David Gauke, said that his position was “untenable”.

The original parole decision was later formally overturned after the case was examined by a new panel.

Following the Worboys case, ministers pledged to improve transparency in Parole Board decisions. Judgment will be delivered later.