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| John Worboys appeal latest: Parole board chairman Nick Hardwick 'forced to resign' minutes before decision | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Nick Hardwick, the chairman of the Parole Board, was forced to resign minutes before a High Court ruling on the body’s decision to allow John Worboys’ release, it has been reported. | |
| Judges upheld an appeal by two victims against the release of Worboys, and said the board must look again at its decision. | |
| Parole officials overlooked “critical evidence”, the victims had claimed. Worboys has served 10 years, including remand time, of an indeterminate sentence. He became known as the black cab rapist after attacking women in his hackney carriage. | |
| In a letter to Justice Secretary David Gauke, seen by the London Evening Standard, Mr Hardwick said: “I am sorry for the mistakes that were made in this case but I have always made it clear that I will support the members and staff of the board in the very difficult individual decisions they make and I will accept accountability for the work of the board.” | |
| The Justice Secretary had told him his position was untenable, the paper reported. | |
| Mr Gauke said in a statement: “I accept Professor Hardwick’s resignation and believe this is the correct decision in light of the serious failings outlined in today’s judgment. | |
| “I would also like to express my appreciation for his committed service to the board and the contribution he has made to my department’s review of parole processes. | |
| “It is crucial the Parole Board now takes all necessary measures to ensure that public confidence is maintained in its decision-making processes. I look forward to working closely with the new leadership team to see through these vital changes.” | |
| During the ruling, senior judge Sir Brian Leveson said the Parole Board’s Rule 25, which currently bans the disclosure of information about its decisions, violates the principle of open justice. | |
| Open justice is a central tenet of the court system which, judges have held for many years, maintains public confidence by ensuring justice is seen to be done and that the process can be reported by the press. | |
| More follows… | More follows… |