By James Simons-
A decision by the Parole Board to release black cab rapist John Worboys has been quashed, prompting the resignation of the board’s chairman Nick Hardwick to resign.
A legal challenge by two victims was upheld by the High Court after three judges ordered the parole board to carry out a ”fresh determination”. Lawyers argued that the full extent of his offending should have been taking into account, as they branded the original decision to free him as irrational.
60-year-old Worboys, now known as John John Radford has served 10 years for the brutal rape of women and will remain in prison pending the outcome of a fresh determination
“A lot of women will be sleeping a lot easier tonight,” one victim said.
In Mr Hardwick’s letter of resignation, he said he was “sorry for the mistakes that were made in this case”, adding that Justice Secretary David Gauke had told him his position was now “untenable”.
Lawyers for the victims said it looked as though he had been “scapegoated” for wider failings.
Worboys was convicted of one rape, five sexual assaults, one attempted assault and 12 drugging charges – but police believe he committed crimes against more than 100 women between 2002 and 2008.
In November, the Parole Board decided to approve his release with “stringent” licence conditions, arguing its decision was based on appropriate evidence.
However, the High Court judges said the Parole Board “should have undertaken a further inquiry into the circumstances of his offending”.
The case will now be referred back to the Parole Board and considered by a new panel, while Worboys remains in prison
