The Met Police is investigating black cab rapist over a new allegation of sexual assault as prison authorities prepare for his release
Victims of black cab rapist John Worboys have been urged to go police as Scotland Yard investigates the notorious sex attacker before he is released from prison.
A parole board sparked fury by agreeing to free the rapist straight from a high-security jail after he served his eight-year minimum term.
After it emerged that the Met Police are investigating a fresh claim made against the predator, other victims were encouraged to come forward.
Richard Scorer, a specialist abuse lawyer from Slater and Gordon, which represented 11 of Worboys’s victims, said: ‘It would be inappropriate to comment while there is an ongoing investigation, but we would urge anyone with any information that may aid the criminal investigation to contact the police.’
The notorious sex offender has been moved to a London jail ahead of his release, prompting fresh outrage from victims, many of whom live in the capital.
Worboys is thought to have many more victims than the 12 who he was convicted of attacking.
Mr Scorer added : ‘This is extremely distressing for our clients as yet again they have not been informed about developments in the Worboys case.
‘It is an insult that they have had to find out from the media of every new development in this case and it is crucial that they are kept updated.’
The 60-year-old was transferred from HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire to HMP Belmarsh, south-east London, at the weekend, it is understood.
Authorities have not revealed when he will be freed, but his release date is not said to be imminent.
Scotland Yard detectives could potentially interview him at Belmarsh before his release in relation to the new allegation.
The Ministry of Justice has not said whether the new investigation will affect his planned release but, if he is charged, it is unlikely he will be freed.
He gave women drugged champagne in his taxi after telling them he was celebrating
Police found a rape kit in the back of Worboys’ taxi which including sleeping tablets, condoms and an ashtray he used to crush the drugs
The incident now being investigating is said to have taken place in 1997 and was reported to police this month.
Scotland Yard said in a statement: ‘The Metropolitan Police Service is investigating an allegation of non-recent sexual assault which was reported to police in January 2018. The incident is reported to have taken place in 1997.
‘Enquiries by officers from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command are ongoing.’
Daily Mail joins calls for Parole Board to say why it ruled attacker 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.’