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John Worboys moved to London jail ahead of release | John Worboys moved to London jail ahead of release |
(about 1 hour later) | |
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 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". | 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. | "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." | 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." |
Justice Secretary David Gauke said that while the "precise conditions" are decided at an "operational level", he had written to the authorities "stressing the needs to ensure that the concerns of victims are put at the heart of this process". | |
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. | 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'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." | "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. |