Fears paedo Vanessa George and child grooming gang leader will be freed after black cab rapist John Worboys’ shock release
THE imminent release of John Worboys has sparked fears that other sex attackers could soon walk free from behind bars.
The black cab rapist had been handed an indefinite sentence by a judge - but is now set to walk free after serving a minimum tariff of just eight years, despite the dozens of allegations against him.
His impending release has sparked fury among campaign groups and his victims, who have flagged concerns he could strike again.
But Nick Hardwick, the chairman of the Parole Board, has now reportedly said there were a "number of high-profile cases bubbling away" that involved offenders similar to Worboys - and who could likewise walk free after less than 10 years behind bars.
Those that could possibly be freed on parole include Vanessa George, who became known as Britain's worst female paedophile after abusing children she cared for in a Plymouth nursery.
Mohammed Liaqat, who was a ringleader in a grooming ring in Derby, could also be freed after being given an indeterminate jail term in 2011.
The criminals have both served less than ten years in jail after being handed an imprisonment for public protection sentence (IPP), and if deemed no longer a threat could be released under controversial sentencing policy that was brought in by Tony Blair's government.
Those jailed under the sentences would have to prove they were fit for release, or would remain behind bars indefinitely.
IPP sentences were banned on the basis of human rights concerns about six years ago by European courts.
Mr Hardwick : "We are now getting down to the much more tricky cases where, in order to release them if they have served their tariff, we need to have very robust supervision and support arrangements."
But he added that there were a number of core prisoners who were "very dangerous and who it will be extremely difficult to release".
The Crown Prosecution Service has faced criticism after the impending release of John Worboys was revealed, with claims that they had not wanted to pin more attacks on him as they thought his eight-year term was adequate.
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Liaqat was handed an IPP sentence with a minimum of eight years in jail, found guilty of a number of offences including rape and sexual assault. He is expected to be eligible for parole next year, having been jailed in 2011.
Wayne Fox, who was also jailed for a minimum of eight years in 2011 for savagely beating up his girlfriend, will also be up for parole.
Vanessa George could also be considered for release next year after her parole application was knocked back last year.
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