- Media groups asked officials to say why the black cab rapist was released
- If they refuse the papers have warned they could bring a judicial review
Media groups, including the Mail’s publisher Associated Newspapers, have sent a legal letter challenging officials to say why they ruled John Warboys (police mug shot) could be freed
The Daily Mail last night joined demands for the Parole Board to reveal its reasons for approving John Worboys for release.
Media groups, including the Mail’s publisher Associated Newspapers, have sent a legal letter challenging officials to say why they ruled the black cab rapist can be freed.
If the Parole Board refuses to disclose its reasons, the papers have warned they could bring a judicial review.
Rule 25 of Parole Board Rules state that information about decisions made on the release of prisoners ‘must not be made public’.
But the Mail and The Sun are arguing that such is the severity of the crimes for which he was convicted that the normal rules should be set aside.
The letter states: ‘The public has… been prevented from receiving factual information and opinion in respect of the Parole Board’s decision.
‘Such information is clearly integral to the debate on a matter of profound public interest.
‘The Parole Board’s failure to make public its decision is particularly significant in view of the overwhelming public concern that has been generated by the impending release of a person who was convicted of very serious crimes only eight years ago, and who is alleged to have committed many more… for which he has not been prosecuted.’