John Worboys, known as the Black cab rapist, has been acquitted of a historical rape allegation, raising concerns about his potential release from prison. The police conducted an investigation into an assault reportedly occurring in Blackpool, Lancashire, where Worboys worked as a stripper 25 years ago. However, after an extensive inquiry into the claims made by a woman stating she was assaulted in the seaside town in the 1990s, law enforcement has decided to close the case.
The Parole Board officials are reviewing his case and might release him soon, despite worries that his actual number of offenses could exceed 100 against women. Dave Hanson, a former friend and ex-performer, was questioned by detectives regarding the Blackpool accusation and visited Worboys at his residence in Lowestoft, Suffolk, which is 306 miles away.
Expressing his concerns, Hanson remarked, “I fear that the recent decision signifies the missed opportunity to hold Worboys accountable for all his crimes. It potentially signals his impending release, which is alarming considering the possibility of numerous undisclosed victims. He is relatively young, and his release could pose a significant threat.”
Worboys is currently serving two life sentences following his 2009 conviction for assaulting 12 women in London. The Lancashire Police’s renewed investigation has sparked fears that his crimes may have a broader geographical reach than previously thought. In response to inquiries about the case, a Lancashire Police spokesperson stated, “The investigation has been concluded.”
Authorities suspect that Worboys targeted over 100 women by offering them alcohol mixed with sedatives in his taxi. Despite being labeled as one of Britain’s most notorious serial sex offenders, the 68-year-old Worboys is now eligible to seek release after 16 years behind bars. In 2018, a decision to release him was overturned by the Parole Board following public outcry and additional victims coming forward.
Hanson, in a plea to other potential victims, urged, “I urge anyone who has information about Worboys or has been a victim to contact the authorities. Preventing his release is crucial to safeguarding the community from his harmful actions. He is deceptive and will manipulate any situation to his advantage. All avenues to bring him to justice must be thoroughly explored.”
Hanson disclosed that Worboys had revealed his use of date-rape drugs years before his known assaults. Worboys had even suggested to Hanson the use of GHB to incapacitate women, stating that it would make them compliant. Worboys’ criminal activities continued due to law enforcement oversights after multiple women reported similar incidents between 2002 and 2008.
In 2009, Worboys received an indefinite prison sentence with a minimum of eight years for 19 sexual assaults on 12 victims. Despite subsequent evidence indicating his involvement in 105 attacks, the Parole Board initially approved his release after a decade without notifying his victims. The decision was later reversed by the High Court in 2018 following legal challenges from two victims.
In December 2019, Worboys was handed two additional life sentences as new victims emerged, reinforcing his status as a persistent threat to women. Referring to him as dangerous, Justice McGowan emphasized uncertainty about when or if Worboys would no longer pose a risk.