John Worboys is denied parole for second time

"The Parole Board told his victims on Thursday that it had decided against either releasing Worboys or allowing him to move to open conditions within prison. Open conditions in prison means offenders are held under minimal security and can work in the community. Worboys, 68, was convicted in 2009 after being found guilty of assaulting his victims after drugging them with spiked drinks."

"Worboys coaxed his victims into taking drug-laced drinks from him after they got into his cab for a ride home. He would claim to have won the lottery or from betting on horses, showing his victims a bag of cash and offering them champagne. Carrie Johnson, the wife of former prime minister Boris Johnson, testified against Worboys after taking a drink from him that she believed was spiked."

"Thank goodness the right decision has been made and the Parole Board have recognised what a danger he is. We can all sleep lighter knowing he is still behind bars. Worboys has been denied parole for the second time, with the board deciding against release or open conditions."

"It has been a hugely anxious wait knowing that Worboys was up for parole again. The relief I feel knowing 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."

John Worboys, convicted in 2009 of drugging and sexually assaulting women, has been denied parole for a second time. The Parole Board decided against releasing him or allowing him to move to open conditions, where offenders face minimal security and can work in the community. Worboys was found guilty of sex offences against 16 women, and police believe he may have had more than 100 victims. He drugged victims using spiked drinks after luring them into his cab, sometimes using claims about winning money and offering champagne. A victim known as Sarah welcomed the decision, saying it recognized his danger. Carrie Johnson also testified against him and said the wait for parole was intensely anxious, expressing relief that he will remain behind bars. His next parole hearing may occur in one to two years, depending on Ministry of Justice decisions and required work for eligibility.

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