By Sammie Jones-
Lawyers representing two victims of the serial sex attacker John Worboys and the mayor of London have been granted permission to challenge the Rapists Release by the Parole Board.
Worboys was sentenced indefinitely for multiple rapes, with a minimum sentence of 8 years stipulated for his sentence.
After 10 years, plans for his release has been announced. How the courts worked out that an indefinite sentence amounts to 8 years is shocking. it raises serious questions about the justice system in the UK sometimes.
Warboys will remain in prison pending a full hearing on 13 March after the high court ruled that a temporary bar on his release should be extended.
A legal challenge against the Parole Board’s decision to release the former black-cab driver was heard by the High Court.
Sadiq Khan said after the ruling that Worboys’ victims and other Londoners would be relieved at the decision. “I’m pleased that there will now be an opportunity for thorough scrutiny of this decision by the Parole Board,” he added.
Warboys had no legal representation, but requested one. He was eventually allowed to speak to a solicitor who was present in court and is a specialist in Parole Board proceedings. The court was adjoured for an hour to allow him time to consult.
Last November, a three-person panel of the Parole Board directed the release of Worboys, following an oral hearing. The plan was for the pervert to be released back into society under strict monitoring on a licence period of at least 10 years.
Parole board’s assess the continued risk posed by prisoners after psychiatrist and prison guard reports at Parole Board hearings take place . These generally occur annually.
Parole Board judgements generally do not provide its reasons to the public, but a consultation is underway to decide how its decision making its shared with the public . Otherwise, without such sharing, the board will lack accountability, and will be open to abuse.
DISCLOSURE
When Warboys was asked if he would consent to the disclosure of documents relating to his case, he replied: “That’s fine.”
The court was adjourned for half an hour for Worboys to talk to a solicitor who was present in court and is a specialist in Parole Board proceedings.
Leveson addressed Worboys, by the name he now uses, John Radford.
Worboys was convicted in March 2009 of 19 offences, including one count of rape, against 12 women. After his conviction police said they believed he had attacked up to 100 women, plying them with alcohol and drugs before he assaulted them.