JOHN WORBOYS AND HIS SHOCKING CRIMES IN LONDON
John Worboys, a notorious black-cab driver from London, has faced yet another legal setback as he lost his appeal against the two additional life sentences imposed on him in 2019.This outcome comes after a surge of fresh victims came forward, reaffirming the severity of his crimes.
Worboys, aged 63, was initially sentenced in 2009 to an indefinite term under public protection legislation, with a mandatory minimum of eight years, following his conviction on 19 counts involving the assault of 12 women.
His earliest known attack dates back to the year 2000.
In a series of legal proceedings, Worboys' case took complex turns.
In 2018, an attempt to release him was made, but this decision was promptly overturned by the Parole Board amidst an extensive public outcry and increased reports from survivors who recognized his pattern of predatory behaviour.
As a result, he was resentenced to two additional life terms for assaults on four more women, this time with a minimum term of six years for each indictment.
The recent appeal process was held in London, where the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett, presided over the hearing along with two other judges.
Joanne Cecil, representing Worboys, argued that the six-year minimum period was excessively harsh.
She also contested the legality of the life sentence, emphasizing that Worboys was already serving a detention sentence for public protection, and, therefore, he could only be released once the Parole Board assesses him as no longer dangerous.
In contrast, Lord Burnett dismissed these claims, affirming that the original sentencing judge did not err in 2019.
He elaborated that the judge had considered multiple aggravating factors, given the seriousness of the four separate offences committed over a prolonged period.
The judge had also taken into account broader criminal activity from Worboys, who had been involved in numerous offenses dating back to 2000, and it was apparent that his conduct was marked by a pattern of violence and sexual predation.
John Worboys, who hails from Enfield in north London and has since adopted the name John Derek Radford, appeared in court remotely via video link from prison.
He was dressed in a blue jumper and glasses during the proceedings.
Law enforcement authorities believe that Worboys was responsible for as many as 105 sexual offences against women during his career.
Investigations reveal that he used his taxi as a vehicle for his crimes, often drugging victims with alcohol laced with sedatives.
In 2019, evidence showed he had admitted to a psychologist that he had intoxicated 90 women, some with drugs, and had been inspired by pornography.
Prosecutors also disclosed that Worboys had fantasized about his crimes since 1986, motivated by a deep-seated hostility towards women.
One of the victims, who was assaulted around 2000 or early 2001 after an evening at a wine bar in Soho, recounted her experience.
She was reportedly picked up by Worboys, who claimed to be celebrating a horse racing win, and was given red wine before losing consciousness.
She awoke the next morning to find herself naked at home, with her clothes laid out behind her in a trail—a chilling testimony of her ordeal.
Another victim, a university student from North London, was assaulted in 2003 after a night out with a friend.
Worboys had picked them up following their evening, and while her friend left the vehicle, the woman stayed.
After drinking a fizzy beverage offered by Worboys, he drove her to Paddington Basin, where she later remembered he was in close proximity, possibly after kissing her.
She also recalled lying on the floor of the cab outside her house, still under the influence of his assault.
The decision by the Parole Board to release Worboys was fiercely contested.
In March 2018, the High Court reversed this decision after two victims appealed, highlighting the risk he posed.
Later that year, the Parole Board itself overturned its initial decision, reaffirming that Worboys should remain incarcerated due to his dangerousness and sexual entitlement.
The controversy surrounding his potential release caused significant public and legal backlash, culminating in the sacking of the Parole Board’s chair, Nick Hardwick.
