Black cab rapist John Worboys faces fresh allegation of historical sexual assault

John Worboys: The sex offender is to be freed from jail
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Police are understood to be investigating a fresh allegation of historical sexual assault against black cab rapist John Worboys.

The alleged incident was said to have taken place in 1997. It was reported to the Metropolitan Police this month.

Worboys, who was jailed indefinitely in 2009 with a minimum term of eight years for drugging and sexually assaulting women passengers, has not been arrested.

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."

John Worboys in handcuffs for court in 2008

It comes after it emerged that Worboys had been moved to a London jail ahead of his release.

The 60-year-old was transferred from HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire to HMP Belmarsh, south-east London, at the weekend, it is understood.

Lawyers for victims said the move was "extremely distressing" for them.

News of his transfer, first reported by The Sun, follows a furore over the Parole Board's decision to agree to Worboys' release after a decade behind bars.

A group of MPs called for an "exclusion zone" to be imposed to ban the former taxi driver from the capital to reassure victims.

It is understood Worboys's release is not imminent and his transfer does not mean he will necessarily be freed into the capital.

Last week, Justice Secretary David Gauke stressed that Worboys will not be released until his licence conditions have been finalised, and victims signed up to a contact scheme have had their say on the restrictions.

Upon release, Worboys is expected to spend several months in a probation hostel.

A potential legal challenge by the Government over Worboys's release was ruled out by Mr Gauke last week but lawyers for two victims have said they intend to pursue the case in the courts.

Worboys was convicted of one count of rape, five sexual assaults, one attempted sexual assault, and 12 of administering a substance with intent.

The Ministry of Justice said it does not comment on the location of prisoners.

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