John Worboys, the notorious 'black cab rapist', was convicted in 2009 of 19 criminal offences against 12 victims. In 2019, he received a life sentence with a minimum term of six years after additional victims came forward. Worboys would offer women champagne in his taxi, claiming he had won the lottery or significant sums in casinos. However, the drinks were spiked, incapacitating his victims, whom he then raped or sexually assaulted.
ITV's Believe Me: A Harrowing Drama
ITV has released a new drama titled Believe Me, based on the accounts of some of Worboys' victims and highlighting how the police failed them during investigations. The series has resonated deeply with Becki Houlston, who believes she was one of Worboys' victims before his conviction.
Becki Houlston's Encounter in 2002
During an appearance on Good Morning Britain on May 11, Becki recounted her experience in Bournemouth in 2002. She had been on a night out when she entered Worboys' taxi. The cab stood out because most taxis in Bournemouth were yellow, but Worboys claimed he worked and lived in both areas.
'He is so premeditated,' Becki explained. 'From the minute you get in the cab, he is already grooming you for what he has in mind. You just want to get home safely, so he is on the story from the moment you get in.'
Worboys told Becki he had a big win at the casino and wanted to celebrate but couldn't because he was driving. This story mirrored those of other victims. Susanna Reid noted that Worboys encouraged Becki to have a glass of champagne. Becki replied, 'That's putting it mildly—encouraging. He is manipulative; he makes you feel guilty for not celebrating.'
The Spiked Drink and Lost Memories
Becki described the drink as 'bitter and warm' and felt Worboys was impatient with her slow consumption. He stalled her payment to keep her in the car. Her last solid memory was seeing him sitting in the passenger seat on the pavement side. She woke up the next day to find a plastic cup by the kitchen sink, but she has no recollection of what happened in between.
In 2008, Becki saw a media campaign about the 'black cab rapist' and realised it was Worboys. She has spent years wondering if he entered her flat, as she is unsure whether he knew which flat she lived in or had a key.
Impact and Concerns
Becki admitted there is a possibility she was assaulted, but she clings to the fact that the cup in the kitchen suggests she got home safely and didn't feel ill the next day. Speaking about the drama, she praised Daniel Mays' portrayal of Worboys and learned more about the case. However, she expressed concern that Worboys' wider offending outside London has never been fully acknowledged.
Believe Me is available to watch on ITVX, and Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV.
