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John Worboys moved to London jail ahead of release | John Worboys moved to London jail ahead of release |
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Rapist John Worboys has been moved to a London jail ahead of his release. | Rapist John Worboys has been moved to a London jail ahead of his release. |
The former London black-cab driver, 60, was transferred from high-security prison HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire to HMP Belmarsh in south-east London at the weekend. | |
The move comes after a furore over the Parole Board's decision to free Worboys after a decade behind bars. | The move comes after a furore over the Parole Board's decision to free Worboys after a decade behind bars. |
Lawyers representing Worboys' victims said their clients were "extremely distressed" to hear of the move. | Lawyers representing Worboys' victims said their clients were "extremely distressed" to hear of the move. |
It is understood the offender's release is not imminent, while the transfer does not mean Worboys will necessarily be freed in the capital. | It is understood the offender's release is not imminent, while the transfer does not mean Worboys will necessarily be freed in the capital. |
During justice questions in the Commons, the Conservative MP for Richmond Park, Zac Goldsmith, said the proposed release "absolutely horrified and terrified [Worboys'] many, many victims". | |
"And like me they are appalled to learn today that he has been moved to London's Category A Belmarsh Prison," he added. | |
Labour's Neil Coyle, MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, said "[Worboys] hasn't served the sentence he was given and was not prosecuted for the vast majority of his crimes." | |
Worboys was jailed indefinitely in 2009, with a minimum term of eight years, for drugging and sexually assaulting women passengers. | Worboys was jailed indefinitely in 2009, with a minimum term of eight years, for drugging and sexually assaulting women passengers. |
He was convicted of 19 offences against 12 victims, but has been linked to more than 100 complaints in total. | He was convicted of 19 offences against 12 victims, but has been linked to more than 100 complaints in total. |
Richard Scorer, a specialist abuse lawyer from Slater and Gordon which represented 11 of Worboys' victims, said his clients had not been informed about recent developments. | |
"It's an absolute disgrace that they are perpetually ignored by the authorities and are not consulted about his release. | |
"It is an insult that they have had to find out from the media of every new development in this case and it is crucial that they are kept updated." | |
After the Parole Board's decision was revealed, there were calls for him to be located away from Greater London to reassure terrified victims. | After the Parole Board's decision was revealed, there were calls for him to be located away from Greater London to reassure terrified victims. |
A group of MPs called for an "exclusion zone" to be imposed to ban the former taxi driver from the capital. | A group of MPs called for an "exclusion zone" to be imposed to ban the former taxi driver from the capital. |
When he is released, Worboys is expected to spend several months in a probation hostel. | When he is released, Worboys is expected to spend several months in a probation hostel. |
A potential legal challenge by the Government over Worboys's release was ruled out last week, but lawyers for two women have said they intend to pursue the case in the courts. | A potential legal challenge by the Government over Worboys's release was ruled out last week, but lawyers for two women have said they intend to pursue the case in the courts. |
The Ministry of Justice said it does not comment on the location of prisoners. | The Ministry of Justice said it does not comment on the location of prisoners. |