Victims raise funds to legally challenge rapist John Worboys release
John Worboys has served a year more than his minimum eight-year sentence for one rape, six sex attacks and drugging 12 women.
Wednesday 17 January 2018 16:19, UK
Two victims of black cab rapist John Worboys have launched a crowdfund appeal to raise money to legally challenge his imminent prison release.
They have asked the Parole Board to postpone his freedom until the outcome of a potential judicial review of its decision to let him out.
Worboys, 60, is expected to walk free as early as the end of next week after being granted parole.
He has served a year more than the minimum eight-year sentence he was given for one rape, six sex attacks and the drugging of 12 women he duped into accepting a ride in his taxi.
The two women need to raise thousands of pounds for legal fees to mount their legal challenge.
::
Police believe Worboys attacked more than 100 victims, but more allegations were not pursued because either the evidence was poor or more convictions would not have added to his sentence, prosecutors said.
A victim known as DSD said: "Since hearing the news I have been in a state of complete shock and panic. How can a prolific sex offender be rehabilitated in a short space of time when he has never admitted to his guilt or shown any remorse?
"In 2003 when I reported to them I had been raped, I was told 'a black cab driver just wouldn't do it'. I said at the time if they didn't find him he would do it again.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine he would go on to do it again another 100 times, that we know of.
"Unfortunately, I do not share their confidence and I am convinced he will re-offend."
The other victim, known as NBV, said: "I can't watch the news or read the papers. My heart freezes when I hear his name. Seeing his face makes me feel unwell. He's ruining my life all over again."
::
The victims will have to persuade a High Court judge that the Parole Board decision was either illegal or that it did not follow procedures.
One of their arguments will be that victims were not properly consulted as part of the process.
Justice Secretary David Gauke is also considering bringing a judicial review and has asked his own lawyers to consider the possibility.