Parole board decisions will no longer be shrouded in secrecy after John Worboys case almost saw him freed

PAROLE Board decisions will no longer be shrouded in secrecy from today thanks to a legal victory by The Sun.

Victims and the public will have a right to be told the reasons why a prisoner is being released or kept inside.

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We demanded the rule change after the board sparked uproar earlier this year by saying black cab rapist John Worboys, 61, should be freed.

High Court judges who later overturned the decision said too much secrecy at parole hearings breached the principles of open justice.

Justice Minister David Gauke has now scrapped the rule stopping the public knowing how decisions are reached.

Victims will have the right to request a summary of the board’s reasons.

Requests must be granted unless the board considers there are “exceptional circumstances”.

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Journalists can also ask for the details.

It is understood up to 70 victims have already made requests for future hearings.

Parole Board chief Martin Jones said: “I am pleased this change to the rules will allow for better understanding of the parole process.”

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