The Parole Board followed the ‘correct’ procedures when it decided to release ‘black cab rapist’ John Worboys without telling all his victims, the new justice secretary said today.
David Gauke said only the victims whose cases were subject to prosecution were entitled to be told in advance and not all who 102 who made complaints to police.
In his first appearance in his new job, Mr Gauke said in all but one case an email about the controversial decision was sent to those the rules say should receive one.
But he admitted to MPs the fact some victims learned of Worboys release after just 9 years meant procedures needed to be removed.
The Parole Board followed the ‘correct’ procedures when it decided to release ‘black cab rapist’ John Worboys without telling all his victims, the new justice secretary David Gauke (pictured in the Commons today) told MPs
Mr Gauke said only the victims whose cases were subject to prosecution were entitled to be told in advance and not all who 102 who made complaints to police
The decision to free Worboys has prompted dismay from victims, as well as questions around why not all of the 102 complainants had seen their cases brought to trial.
Mr Gauke said: ‘I express my unreserved sympathy to all of the victims; they will never erase the emotional trauma of his crimes and the Parole Board’s decision to order his release must have brought back painful memories.
‘On the basis of the information I’ve received since arriving in the department yesterday, it appears, in relation to these victims, those who opted to remain in contact with the VCS (Victim Contact Scheme) were informed of the parole hearing.
‘Of the victims currently in contact with the scheme, those who chose to be informed of the Parole Board decision by phone or email were contacted immediately on January 3.
‘I have just become aware of a case where a victim did not receive the email.’
Black cab driver John Worboys (pictured), 60, was jailed in 2009 for 19 sex offences, including rape, with many believing he would die behind bars
He added: ‘However, while it appears that the correct procedures were followed, the fact that some victims learned of the decision from the media suggests that there is a need to review these procedures and examine whether lessons can be learned and improvements can be made.
‘There is a strong case to review case for transparency in the process for parole decisions and how victims are appropriately engaged in that process and consider the case for changes in policy, practice or the Parole Board rules or other guidance or procedures including the Victims’ Code.’
Shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon said the Worboys case ‘underlined once and for all’ the need for more transparency.
‘It’s all too clear that victims of the vile crimes committed by John Worboys feel that this process has failed to do so and such failings risk undermining public trust in our wider justice system,’ he said.
‘Many women, both the victims and others more widely, will be very anxious indeed about Mr Worboys being freed, and the current legal restrictions on the Parole Board mean that we do not know why this decision was taken.
‘I would say, with respect, we don’t need actually to debate whether there is a case for greater transparency; the Worboys case has underlined once and for all that there is a need for greater transparency.’
Justice Committee chairman Bob Neill has summoned the Parole Board to explain to MPs why they decided to release Worboys
Richard Scorer, a specialist abuse lawyer from Slater and Gordon, which represented 11 of Worboys’ victims, echoed the concerns of Tory former minister Anna Soubry who on Monday sought assurances that women would be safe upon his release.
Mr Scorer said: ‘Our clients are becoming more concerned by the day about Worboys’ imminent release.
‘The terrifying fact is that their attacker knows where they live after he dropped them home and wrote some of their addresses down in a notebook.
‘They are living in fear that he will come after them once he gets out.’
He added: ‘Our clients want to be told what restrictions are being put on his movement as part of his licence and how the authorities are aiming to ensure this serial rapist does not attack again.
‘Unfortunately, after the past few days our clients now have little faith that the criminal justice system will keep them safe.’