Raab blocks decision to release sex offender

THE Parole Board has been blocked from releasing a serial child sex offender in the first court victory by Dominic Raab, the Justice Secretary.

Mr Raab overturned the board’s decision to release Leslie Johnson, 58, after challenging it in the High Court.

Johnson, who was jailed in 2016 for more than six years for sex assaults on a 10-yearold and a 12-year-old, was to have been released earlier this year until Mr Raab sought a judicial review. Last night Mr Raab welcomed the High Court’s decision.

“Leslie Johnson’s crimes were heinous and his early release would put the public’s safety at risk,” he said.

The move foreshadows a shake-up of the Parole Board in which the Justice Secretary will take back powers to block the release of the most dangerous criminals from jail including murderers, rapists, terrorists and child killers.

He will also tighten the criteria under which offenders are released.