Black cab rapist John Worboys has been working in a prison healthcare department, assisting unwell inmates, despite being deemed too dangerous for release. This week, he was refused parole for the second time.
Worboys' Prison Role
A Parole Board report revealed that Worboys, 68, now known as John Radford, has been praised for his 'willingness' to work. He is thought to help with education and provide support to unwell or elderly prisoners. The report stated: 'Mr Worboys' behaviour in prison has been of a high standard with only one relatively minor negative IEP warning in 2010 and no adjudications. There have been positive NOMIS entries in respect of his work ethic and attitude. He is described as compliant, engages with his case management team and works in the Health Care Department.'
Admission of 90 Victims
The report also noted that Worboys accepts he attacked 90 women. It said: 'Whilst we have not heard from Mr Worboys on the issue, the prisoner-commissioned psychologist in her report dated August 2019, refers to his acceptance of 90 victims.' The parole board stated he claims to feel 'enormous regret, remorse and shame' towards 'the women he has harmed and their families and friends.'
Background of Crimes
Worboys was first convicted in 2009 of 19 sexual offences linked to attacks on 12 women between October 2006 and February 2008. He stalked London's West End in a black cab, offering victims sedative-laced champagne. He lured women late at night, pretending to have won the lottery. He told psychiatrists he had been 'fantasising' about his crimes since 1986, motivated by 'hostility towards women.' He continued offending due to police mistakes after 10 women reported similar allegations between 2002 and 2008.
Parole History
In 2009, he was jailed indefinitely with a minimum term of eight years. He was cleared for release in 2018 without victims being informed, but the decision was reversed after public outrage. In 2019, he received a life sentence with a minimum term of six years after more victims came forward. His latest parole bid was refused this week.
Victim Reactions
Carrie Johnson, wife of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is believed to be Worboys' youngest victim, said: 'The relief I feel hearing that he will remain behind bars is hard to put into words. Women and girls across Britain are safer as a result of this decision.' Another victim, Sarah, said: 'Thank goodness the right decision has been made... We can all sleep lighter knowing he is still behind bars.'
Worboys' crimes have been portrayed in the ITV series Believe Me, starring Daniel Mays and Miriam Petche.
