The women targeted by John Worboys, also known as the ‘black cab rapist’, have won a high court challenge which forces the Parole Board to reconsider its decision to release him from prison.

Worboys was found guilty in 2009 of 19 charges of drugging and sexually assaulting 12 female passengers, and one case of raping a woman. Earlier this year, after Worboys had served eight years in prison, it was announced he would be released on parole, evoking a reaction of widespread criticism of the Parole Board.

One of the women who brought the High Court challenge (who cannot be identified) said she was “thrilled” that Worboys would be staying in prison and explained that she fought the case in order to spare victims of sex offences the aguish that she’s been through.

She said: “I have always said one of the reasons I am doing this is to give women the confidence that they can come forward and it will be dealt with. I wouldn’t want another woman to go through what I have been through in the past 10 to 15 years.

“I want women to be able to go to the police, report a crime and have it dealt with adequately.”

Prime Minister Teresa May praised the women who pushed for Worboys’ parole as “brave”. The head of the Parole Board, Nick Hardwick, resigned ahead of the ruling, in a move that was welcomed by Justice Secretary David Gauke.

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.”

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Women’s Daily Dispatch: The news you need to know on 28/3/18