John Worboys to stay in prison: Parole Board boss Nick Hardwick 'forced to resign' as taxi rapist's release blocked

John Worboys will remain behind bars after two of his victims won a landmark court case to overturn the controversial decision to release the black cab rapist, prompting the resignation of Parole Board chairman Nick Hardwick.

Three judges in London said on Wednesday that the Parole Board must make a "fresh determination" in the case of the 60-year-old serial sex attacker.
Sir Brian Leveson, Mr Justice Jay and Mr Justice Garnham said the board should have "undertaken further inquiry into the circumstances of his offending".
The judges announced that, in the light of their findings, the "release decision will be quashed" and the case "remitted to the Parole Board for fresh determination before a differently constituted panel".
David Gauke, the Justice Secretary, had told Mr Hardwick that his position was "untenable". Welcoming the resignation, Mr Gauke said it was "the correct decision in light of the serious failings outlined in today's judgment".

Lawyers for the two women who brought the challenge argued during a hearing earlier this month that the Parole Board's decision to release Worboys, who now goes under the name of John Radford, was "irrational" and should be overturned.
At the conclusion of the hearing on March 14 the judges continued a temporary bar preventing Worboys' release, which was originally granted in January.
Worboys has served 10 years, including remand time, of an indeterminate prison sentence.

Justice Secretary: Parole Board boss was right to quit
In a statement, Justice Secretary David Gauke said: "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."

Parole Board will not challenge outcome of case
After the resignation of Mr Hardwick, the Parole Board issued the following statement:
"As a result of the bravery and determination of the women who brought this challenge, the experience of victims will be better and there will be much simpler ways to challenge our decisions in the future.
"It was clear before the Worboys case arose that there was a compelling case for major reform of the parole system. This judgment will now open up the decision making of the board which we have been calling for.
"The Parole Board are not seeking to challenge the outcome of this case and the Worboys case will now be re-referred to the Parole Board.
"The court acknowledged that this was an unusual and complex case and we want any decision to be made on the best possible evidence.
"The chair Professor Nick Hardwick has since resigned from the Parole Board."
Chief Executive Martin Jones said: "Parole Board members make incredibly difficult and complex decisions every day that can have a devastating impact on victims and the case of John Worboys is no different. The courts have decided we must go back and look at this case again in light of additional information that wasn't before the original panel and we will do just that.
"Nick Hardwick and I have always been clear that we will support our members when they face criticism in making these important decisions. I am deeply sorry that Nick Hardwick has decided to resign, he is a man of real integrity, and I have been proud to work with him."

Rapist was jailed indefinitely for string of offences
Worboys was jailed indefinitely in 2009 with a minimum term of eight years after being found guilty of 19 offences, including rape, sexual assault and drugging, committed against 12 victims.
He became known as the black cab rapist after attacking victims in his hackney carriage.
Police believe he committed crimes against 105 women between 2002 and 2008, when he was caught.

Something went 'badly wrong' with release decision
The two victims who brought the case believe something went "badly wrong" with the Parole Board's decision to free Worboys.
They say the Parole Board should have taken into account "critical evidence" of the "wider allegations" against Worboys.

The judges heard that Worboys, who has served 10 years behind bars, including remand time, has denied committing any offences other than those for which he was convicted.
The Parole Board argued that its decision was "lawful and and rational" and was based on appropriate evidence.