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John Worboys: Justice Secretary David Gauke trying to halt rapist's release from prison | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Justice Secretary David Gauke is considering launching a judicial review in a bid to stop the release of black cab rapist John Worboys. | |
The government said Mr Gauke had sought legal advice on an attempt to reverse a Parole Board decision to free the serial sex attacker. | |
A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: “Mr Gauke commissioned, mid-last week, advice on the plausibility of a judicial review and the prospect of success of any judicial review. | |
“The Secretary of State is minded to move forward only if there was a reasonable prospect of success.” | |
London cab driver Worboys was jailed indefinitely in 2009, with a minimum term of eight years, for drugging and sexually assaulting female passengers. | |
He was convicted of 19 offences relating to 12 victims but is suspected of being one of the country’s most prolific sex offenders. Police believe he could have attacked more than 100 victims in total. | |
The Parole Board’s decision to release him after nine years sparked a public outcry when it was announced earlier this month. | |
Previous Justice Secretary David Lidington, who was appointed Cabinet Office Minister in Theresa May’s reshuffle this week, had ordered a review of the board’s transparency amid questions about how the decision was reached. | |
Sarah Green, from the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said: “The Justice Secretary’s potential attempt to try and stop the release of dangerous serial rapist John Worboys is very welcome.” |