In a recent interview, Carrie Johnson revealed that there may be “up to 1,000, if not more,” victims related to John Worboys, the infamous serial rapist. Johnson, the wife of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, discussed her personal experience with Worboys and shared her belief that many women may not realize they were targeted.
Insight into John Worboys’ Crimes
Worboys, who is serving a life sentence, operated as a cab driver between 2000 and 2009. During this time, he lured women into his taxi while pretending to celebrate a gambling win. Johnson emphasized the potential scale of his crimes, given how often he drove his cab at night.
Call for Victims to Speak Out
Johnson highlighted the importance of encouraging victims to come forward. She stated that many women might dismiss their experiences, thinking they simply felt unwell after a night out. As a result of recent awareness efforts, including a four-part ITV series titled “Believe Me,” more individuals are starting to share their stories.
- Duration of Crimes: 2000 to 2009
- Conviction Year: 2009
- Initial Jail Sentence: 19 sexual offences against 12 victims
- Life Sentences: Two life sentences in 2019
Personal Encounter with Worboys
At the age of 19, Johnson entered Worboys’ cab after a night out in Chelsea. He offered her a ride home and provided alcohol under the guise of celebrating a casino win. After leaving the taxi, she began to feel ill.
Johnson later used evidence of Worboys providing his contact information, a tactic she believes helped establish his guilt in court. Her experience sparked a discussion on the treatment of rape allegations. She expressed her frustration over the police’s approach, suggesting that victims may not be taken seriously.
The Legal Battle and Public Response
Worboys was initially imprisoned in 2009, receiving an indefinite sentence following numerous attacks. However, in December 2017, a Parole Board considered him for release, leading to significant public outcry and legal challenges from his victims.
After changes to legal protocols in response to the legal battles, Worboys was charged with additional crimes based on further testimonies. His ongoing legal challenges and the attention surrounding his case have continued to inspire survivors to come forward.
Resources for Support
If you or someone you know has been affected by rape or sexual violence, there are resources available:
- Rape Crisis (England and Wales): Helpline 0808 500 2222 (24/7)
- The Survivors Trust: Helpline 0808 801 0818
- Survivors UK: Support for male survivors, text 020 3322 1860
As the situation develops, Carrie Johnson is hopeful that increased awareness will keep John Worboys incarcerated and empower more victims to seek justice.
