David Gauke vows to give victims ‘more confidence’ in Parole Board after John Worboys case
2 min read
Justice Secretary David Gauke has pledged to shake up the Parole Board after an outcry over the organisation’s handling of the John Worboys case.
The organisation came under fire earlier this year when some victims of serial sex attacker John Worboys were not told about his release. Two of Mr Worboys’ victims meanwhile mounted a legal challenge opposing his release which resulted in the decision being quashed. That prompted the resignation of Parole Board chair Nick Hardwick.
Under plans outlined by the Ministry of Justice today, the board’s decisions would remain provisional for a certain amount of time, giving victims the chance to voice their objections without having to resort to a judicial review.
The organisation could also be forced to disclose the reasoning behind its rulings to members of the public and journalists upon request, while the Government has vowed to ensure those in the Victim Contact Scheme are automatically told of decisions that affect them.
Launching the plans, which follow a review of the organisation, Mr Gauke said: "It is my ambition that the outcome of this process will mean victims have more confidence in the system.
"We have moved at pace to address the shortcomings of the parole system which the Worboys case has brought to light."
Former Parole Board chair Mr Hardwick said that while the MoJ’s review findings were “generally welcome”, significant “new resources” would have to be injected into the Parole Board “to avoid new backlogs”. He added on Twitter:
The Government’s consultation will run until the end of July.
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