Public now able to see Parole Board decisions following Worboys uproar

Victims of crimes and members of the public will now be able to request details of any decision to release a criminal from prison under a law change prompted by the John Worboys case.

Victims signed up to an official contact scheme run by the probation service will be able to ask for a summary of the reasons why a criminal is being released.

The move follows the uproar in January after Worboys - known as the black cab rapist - had been approved by the Parole Board to be freed after less than a decade in prison.

The body's recommendation was thrown out by the High Court in March after two victims mounted a legal challenge.

The Parole Board had previously been barred from disclosing why it decided whether or not to allow a prisoner's release.

But now, even members of the public and the media will be able to apply for documents - if there is a public interest justification in releasing the details.

Victims' requests must be granted unless there are "exceptional circumstances" requiring the disclosure of information to be blocked.

The prisoner's risk factors and progress made while incarcerated are also included in the summaries.

Decisions made before change in law are not eligible to be summarised.

About 25,000 cases a year are considered by the Parole Board in England and Wales.

"The Parole Board has been pushing for more transparency and I am pleased that this change to the rules will allow for better understanding of the parole process," said Parole Board chief executive Martin Jones.

"Protection of the public is our primary concern and I hope these summaries will provide reassurance, particularly to victims, that these difficult decisions are made with a great deal of care."

Worboys had been jailed indefinitely in 2009 with a minimum term of eight years after being convicted of 19 offences against 12 victims. The offences included rape, sexual assault and drugging.

As a result of the High Court ruling, the 60-year-old has been kept in jail until his case has been re-assessed.