Outrage as vile police rapist is let out of prison
THE release from jail of a rapist policeman after just seven years sparked fury from victims, lawyers and campaigners yesterday.
And a lawyer for some of black cab rapist John Worboys’ victims yesterday warned of “incredibly worrying” similarities.
Stephen Mitchell was given two life sentences for targeting vulnerable women while on duty in Newcastle. But he was freed late last year and was spotted at the weekend living near his family home in Glasgow.
The 50-year-old former soldier attacked drug addicts, shoplifters and even a disabled teenager after offering help while they were in custody.
Emma Crowther, who represents some of Mitchell’s victims, said: “It will have a devastating effect on them. Cases of this nature inevitably have a lifelong impact and for him to have been released will only add to the distress that they suffer. It is dreadful.”
Dangerous
The secrecy of Parole Board decisions has been heavily criticised since it emerged sex fiend Worboys was set to be released despite fears he had attacked more than 100 women.
But two victims successfully launched a legal challenge and he remains behind bars.
Lawyer Kim Harrison, who represented some of Worboys’ victims, said of Mitchell’s release: “It is incredibly worrying.
“It has echoes that assurances were given from one part of the criminal justice system and another part seems to be doing the complete opposite.
“We have these very dangerous people being released without being given any reason as to why and it feels incomprehensible to right-thinking people that this man has been released. So this feels like deja vu and that lessons haven’t been learned.”
Former shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper yesterday urged Justice Secretary David Gauke to launch an urgent review into the “disturbing and incomprehensible” case. One of Mitchell’s victims said: “I honestly think he has used everything he learned in the Army and the police to help him get parole by just telling them what he knew they would want to hear. He knows exactly what he’s doing.”
The Rape Crisis charity said the “deeply disturbing” case highlighted “the urgent need for greater clarity around Parole Board decision making”.
A Parole Board spokesman said: “A panel of the Parole Board directed the release of Mr Stephen Mitchell, following an oral hearing in September 2017.
“Parole Board decisions are solely focused on whether a prisoner would represent a significant risk to the public after release.
“The panel will have carefully looked at a whole range of evidence, including details of the original evidence and any evidence of behaviour change. We do that with great care and public safety is our number one priority.”