John Worboys: Black cab rapist's release put on hold after victims win the first step in a legal challenge

Lawyers obtain High Court order blocking Worboys’ parole, pending a further permission hearing

John Worboys was found guilty in 2009 of raping 12 women – but police say he could have attacked at least 100 (PA)

The release of black cab rapist John Worboys from prison has been put on hold after victims won the first step in a legal challenge.

Lawyer Harriet Wistrich said an “urgent application” had been made to the High Court on behalf of two of his victims for a stay of his release pending a further permission hearing.

She said: “Update – we have been granted a stay on his release until an oral application between February 6-8.”

The Parole Board provoked fury this month when it directed Worboys’ release after a decade in prison.

He was jailed indefinitely in 2009, with a minimum term of eight years, for drugging and sexually assaulting women passengers.

Worboys was convicted of 19 offences against 12 victims, but has been linked to more than 100 complaints in total.

His convictions included one count of rape, five sexual assaults, one attempted sexual assault and 12 of administering a substance with intent.

Earlier this week it was announced that police were investigating a fresh allegation of historical sexual assault believed to have been made against Worboys.

The incident was said to have taken place in 1997 and was reported to police earlier this month.

Scotland Yard said in a statement: “The Metropolitan Police Service is investigating an allegation of non-recent sexual assault which was reported to police in January 2018.

“The incident is reported to have taken place in 1997. Enquiries by officers from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command are ongoing.”