The High Court has dismissed a judicial review challenging the lawfulness of guidance issued by the Parole Board in the wake of the John Worboys judgment which gives advice to its members on the consideration of allegations, including unproven allegations, which have been made against a prisoner.  

In R (Dean Pearce) v Parole Board for England and Wales [2020] EWHC 3437 (Admin), the Claimant argued that the guidance was unlawful on grounds of procedural fairness and breach of Article 5(4) of the European Convention of Human Rights.  

The High Court dismissed the challenge, relying on the recent judgment of the Divisional Court in R (Morris) v Parole Board for England and Wales [2020] EWHC 711 (Admin).

A copy of the judgment can be found here.  

Sarah Sackman and Conor Fegan acted on behalf of the successful Parole Board.