Probation chiefs blasted for failing to give warnings

PROBATION chiefs have been blasted for failing to warn John Worboys’s victims there was a ‘real possibility’ he could be freed.

A report condemned a ‘lack of clarity and urgency’ in correspondence with women attacked by the black cab rapist.

Letters and emails to victims contained errors in their names and addresses while failing to explain the serial sex attacker would be let out of jail on licence in a way that was ‘readily understandable’.

Several victims learned of the release decision from media reports – including those signed up to a scheme designed to keep them up to date on the case.

Chief Inspector of Probation Dame Glenys Stacey was asked by the Government to carry out an urgent review.

Prior to the parole hearing in November, the National Probation Service attempted to contact women not signed up to the scheme. Dame Glenys found the letters did not tell them a parole hearing was less than two weeks’ away nor explain they had a chance to give their views to the Parole Board.

The report said: ‘An opportunity was missed for the women to understand and contribute to the parole process … clearer communication at this stage would have forewarned them of the real, if unwelcome, possibility that John Worboys could be released on parole … Their distress, anxiety and disbelief was palpable.’