Carrie Johnson has called for improved police handling of sexual assault cases, revealing details of the night she was targeted by black cab rapist John Worboys. The 38-year-old, who played a role in bringing Worboys to justice, expressed concern that police responses to sexual crimes have not improved in nearly two decades.
Systemic Issues Remain
Writing in the Daily Mail, Mrs. Johnson highlighted the murder of Sarah Everard as an example of ongoing problems. She stated, 'What I worry hasn't changed is the police culture that meant Worboys was not caught nearly as soon as he should have been.' She noted that two friends who were raped in recent years were treated with 'no empathy, no respect and their cases never properly followed up.'
Worboys' Crimes and Parole
Worboys is serving a life sentence for luring women into his taxi, drugging them with spiked drinks, and assaulting them. His 2018 parole decision was reversed after public outrage. In a recent ruling, the Parole Board stated he 'continues to represent a high risk of committing further serious sexual offences against women.' Mrs. Johnson described the news of his denied parole as a 'huge relief' for survivors.
Johnson's Personal Account
Mrs. Johnson recounted being a 19-year-old student when she entered Worboys' taxi in Chelsea. He feigned concern, offered her a ride, and then claimed to have won money at a casino, offering spiked champagne. She managed to pour one glass away but later drank vodka that was drugged. She passed out in her bathtub at home. Months later, she identified him in a lineup after a friend flagged a news report.
Campaign for Change
Mrs. Johnson's involvement in the ITV dramatisation 'Believe Me' aims to give victims a voice. She welcomed parole system changes but stressed that victims are still failed when reporting sexual assault. 'It takes enormous courage for women to come forward. They must know that when they do, they will be treated seriously,' she wrote.
Worboys, who admitted attacking 90 women, will be considered for parole again in about two years.
