Rapist cabbie convicted

A DEMON cabbie was convicted today of drugging and sexually assaulting a string of women passengers in the back of his taxi.

Evil John Worboys, 51, preyed on young women he picked up in his black cab in London’s West End and wealthy Kensington.

Croydon Crown Court was told the ex-stripper offered his victims a glass of champagne to help him toast a fake lottery or casino win.

The bubbly was laced with powerful sedatives that left the women unable to defend themselves.

And once the drugs took affect he molested them, raping one and assaulting another with a sex toy.

Worboys said he just craved female attention and was trying to make sure the women got home safely.

He denied drugging or sexually assaulting the women and claimed some passengers made inappropriate advances towards him.

But after two days of deliberations at the end of a seven-week trial he was found guilty.

Johannah Cutts QC, prosecuting, said Worboys concocted an extraordinary story, complete with props, to persuade women to accept the drugged drink.

He showed off a carrier bag stuffed with cash, showered victims with compliments and offered them cut-price journeys, the court heard.

Police also revealed they found a “rape kit” including miniature bottles of champagne, gloves, condoms and a torch at his home.

Jurors were told he attacked 12 women. He was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in July 2007.

Police interviewed him after he was caught on CCTV carrying a 19-year-old student out of the back of his vehicle.

The cab driver was accused of attacking 14 women during an 18-month reign of terror between October 2006 and February last year.

Worboys, of Rotherhithe, south east London, faced 23 charges including rape, sexual assault and administering a substance with intent.

He was found guilty of 21 charges of drugging and sexually assaulting 12 passengers. The jury cleared him of two counts of administering a drug with intent.

Worboys wept in the dock as he was convicted of one count of rape.

Mr Justice Penry-Davey addressed the defendant, saying: “You have heard already that I do not intend to sentence you today.

“I am putting the case back for a pre-sentencing report and also a psychiatric report. You must be under no illusion that this case requires and will get a very substantial term of imprisonment.

“You must not understand from my putting the case back that any more lenient course could be taken.

“It is important I know as much as possible about you before I decide what the appropriate sentence is going to be.”

Sentencing was adjourned until April 21.

Speaking outside the court, DI Dave Reid, who led the inquiry, praised the victims who gave evidence.

He said: “I want to say three things. First I want to praise the courage of every single one of the women who came forward to police during this inquiry.

"It’s been a major inquiry for the Met. In particular I want to thank all 14 women who gave evidence in the Crown Court over the past eight weeks.

"Their bravery and integrity is beyond any doubt.

“There may be some women who have had experience of Mr Worboys and who have not yet reported that to the police and I would request they do so.

“We have set up a freephone which is 0800 121 4441. I would ask any woman who has not yet contacted us to do so.”