‘Black-Cab Rapist’ John Worboys Set for Shock Early Release After Just 9 Years
John Worboys, the notorious ‘black-cab rapist’ believed to have drugged and attacked over 100 women, is set to walk free after serving less than nine years behind bars. Jailed in 2009 with an indeterminate sentence, the decision to release him early has sparked outrage across the UK.
MP Demands Parole Board Reveal Shocking Release Decision
Yvette Cooper, chairwoman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, slammed the Parole Board’s move, calling it “shocking” and “deeply upsetting” for Worboys’ victims. She demanded the board publish their reasoning immediately so the public can scrutinise why this dangerous predator is being freed so soon.
“John Worboys’ release after only serving his minimum sentence of eight years is a shocking decision by the Parole Board,” said Cooper. “Victims will have to live with the horror of his attacks for life. We need to know what support was offered to them before this decision.”
Horrific Crimes and Controversial Sentence
- Worboys was convicted of 19 charges including drugging and sexually assaulting at least 12 women
- The crimes date back over 13 years of his work as a London taxi driver
- Police suspect he victimised over 100 women in total
- He was jailed with an indeterminate sentence and a minimum eight-year term
- Despite serving almost nine years, many say his punishment is woefully short
The Parole Board’s three-member panel cleared Worboys after nine months into his ninth year of imprisonment. Including time served on remand, he will have served less than a year per victim convicted.
Rape Crisis Chief Slams Early Release
Yvonne Traynor, chief executive of Rape Crisis South London, branded the jail term “woefully short” and warned that Worboys remains a threat. She said,
“It feels far too soon for this dangerous and manipulative perpetrator to be released into the public. The women he raped will never fully escape the trauma of his despicable crimes.”
Parole Board Statement on Release
The Parole Board confirmed the release decision after a hearing, saying care arrangements will be overseen by the Ministry of Justice.
“A three-member panel has directed the release of Mr John Worboys following an oral hearing. The arrangements for his release will be managed by the Ministry of Justice,” the Board said.
The decision raises serious questions over how such a prolific sex offender is freed early, stirring calls for greater transparency and justice for Worboys’ many victims.
