Cab monster believes rape is acceptable
U-turn on fiend’s release over string of ‘risk factors’
I feel vindicated, we were right all along VICTIM DSD ON LEGAL FIGHT TO BLOCK RELEASE
THE Parole Board has reversed its decision to release black cab rapist John Worboys after hearing the fiend believes “rape is acceptable”.
Victims of the predator told of their relief at the U-turn, in which the panel also voiced concerns over the 61-yearold’s need “to control women”.
And it comes after the Daily Mirror last month revealed that the Crown Prosecution Service is considering bringing new charges against Worboys.
Two victims, known as DSD and NBV, launched a crowdfunded legal fight earlier this year which blocked his release after outrage at the Parole Board ruling.
DSD said yesterday: “I feel vindicated, we were right all along. We knew this man was a danger to women and we felt compelled to take action.”
Worboys had been cleared for release in January – after less than 10 years of his indeterminate sentence for public protection. He will now be kept behind bars for at least two more years.
The panel that reconsidered his case read a 1,255-page dossier from the Justice Secretary and seven victim statements.
In a ruling summary, “risk factors” cited included a “sense of sexual entitlement, attitudes towards women (including a need to have sexual contact ... and to control women), a belief that rape is acceptable ... and problems with relationships”. The panel also said it was aware he was “subject to investigation … following new historic allegations” and it would “require evidence of those allegations which would not be possible while the investigation is ongoing”.
And it concluded it “was not satisfied Mr Worboys was suitable for release or progression to the open estate”.
Worboys stalked London’s West End in a cab, giving victims sedative-laced champagne. In 2009, he was jailed indefinitely, with a minimum eight years.
Parole Board chair Caroline Corby admitted earlier this month the organisation suffered a “loss of confidence” in the wake of its failings over Worboys.
Predecessor Nick Hardwick resigned after the High Court ruling forced by victims and the case prompted changes including new rules allowing summaries of parole decisions to be released.
Harry Fletcher, of Victims’ Rights Campaign, said the decision to free Worboys “was perverse in the extreme and justice has been seen to be done”.
He added: “It’s a disgrace that Worboys could be walking the streets if his victims had not launched their self-funded legal bid. This is more proof of the need for the Daily Mirror-supported Victims’ Law.”
DSD backs our campaign for a bill of rights for victims, saying it would give them a bigger say in the parole process.