Metropolitan Police Urges More John Worboys Victims to Contact Officers
The Metropolitan Police has called for anyone who believes they may have been a victim of serial rapist John Worboys to contact the force. This appeal follows the screening of a four-part drama that focused on his prolific sexual attacks and the police's initial failings.
Worboys is currently serving a life sentence for sexual offences. His method involved luring women into his taxi, fabricating a story about winning money, and then offering them drug-laced drinks. He received an indefinite sentence in 2009 for 19 sex offences against 12 women. A subsequent life sentence, with a minimum term of six years, was imposed in 2019 after more victims reported their experiences.
A police spokesperson stated, "If you believe you may have been a victim or have any information about Worboys, we urge you to please contact us. We promise that you will be supported and listened to." The force has acknowledged "serious failings" in its original investigation, which it says has led to significant improvements in handling rape and sexual offence cases, citing a doubling of arrests and charges for such offences in London over the past year.
A 2019 report from Worboys' prison psychologist indicated he accepted preying on approximately 90 individuals, suggesting the true number of victims is considerably higher than those for whom he has been convicted. Publicity surrounding a 2018 parole board decision to release him, later overturned by legal challenges from two victims, prompted additional victims to report crimes committed between 2000 and 2008.
Earlier this month, the parole board determined that Worboys, 68, would not be released, concluding he "represent[s] a high risk of committing further serious sexual offences upon women" and "does not currently meet the test for release." Worboys reportedly expressed "enormous regret, remorse and shame" towards those he harmed.
Carrie Johnson, wife of former prime minister Boris Johnson, who previously waived her anonymity to speak about potentially being a victim, welcomed the parole board's decision. She remarked on social media platform X that "Women and girls across Britain are safer as a result of this decision."
Individuals with information about Worboys are encouraged to contact the Metropolitan Police by calling 101, quoting Operation Safford, CAD 4648/23MAY, or by emailing CIT@met.police.uk.
