MPs have demanded that ministers launch an “urgent investigation” into the release of the rapist John Warboys, as the Parole Board chairman apologised “unreservedly” for failing to inform victims of his release. Nick Hardwick admitted that the board was “lagging behind” other organisations in openness and transparency and suggested sweeping changes to give victims and the public more information about its decisions. One idea would be to allow victims and interested members of the public to apply to attend parole hearings in jails, he said. The cross-party group of MPs signed a letter to David Lidington, the justice secretary, saying that the parole board’s decision was not “made with a full and complete understanding of the impact of his many crimes”. The letter, co-ordinated by…

Source: The Times January 05, 2018 02:30 UTC