John Worboys Must Stay in Prison

May 14, 2026, 13:44
UKPolitics

Introduction

The Parole Board said no to John Worboys. He cannot leave prison now.

Main Body

The Board read his papers. They think Worboys is dangerous. He cannot live in the city because he might hurt people again. Worboys went to prison in 2009. He hurt many women between 2002 and 2008. He has two life sentences for these crimes. Many people are happy about this news. Carrie Johnson said this decision keeps women and girls safe in the UK.

Conclusion

John Worboys stays in prison. The government will check his case again later.

Learning

🚨 The Power of 'Can' and 'Cannot'

In this story, we see a very important word for A2 students: Can. We use it to talk about what is possible or allowed.

1. The Negative (No permission/No ability)

  • He cannot leave prison. →\rightarrow It is impossible for him to go.
  • He cannot live in the city. →\rightarrow He is not allowed to stay there.

2. The Positive (Possibility)

  • He might hurt people. →\rightarrow This is a possibility in the future.

⏳ Time Travel: Past vs. Present

Notice how the story jumps between Now and Before:

Now (Present)Before (Past)
He is dangerousHe went to prison
People are happyHe hurt many women
He stays in prisonHe had crimes

Quick Tip: When you see a date like 2009 or 2002, the verb usually changes its shape to show the action is finished.

Vocabulary Learning

board (n.)
A flat surface or a group that makes decisions.
Example:The board gave us a decision.
read (v.)
To look at written words and understand them.
Example:I read the papers.
papers (n.)
Written documents or newspapers.
Example:He read his papers.
think (v.)
To use your mind to consider something.
Example:They think he is dangerous.
dangerous (adj.)
Likely to cause harm or injury.
Example:He is dangerous to people.
live (v.)
To exist or stay in a place.
Example:He cannot live in the city.
city (n.)
A large town.
Example:He lives in the city.
hurt (v.)
To cause pain or injury.
Example:He hurt many women.
people (n.)
Human beings.
Example:Many people are happy.
many (adj.)
A large number of.
Example:Many people are happy.
women (n.)
Adult female human beings.
Example:He hurt many women.
between (prep.)
In the middle of two things.
Example:Between 2002 and 2008.
has (v.)
Possesses or owns.
Example:He has two life sentences.
two (adj.)
The number 2.
Example:He has two life sentences.
life (n.)
The period of being alive.
Example:He has two life sentences.
sentences (n.)
A statement or a prison sentence.
Example:He has two life sentences.
crimes (n.)
Illegal acts.
Example:These crimes caused harm.
happy (adj.)
Feeling joy or pleasure.
Example:Many people are happy.
news (n.)
Information about recent events.
Example:Many people are happy about the news.
decision (n.)
A choice or resolution.
Example:The decision keeps women safe.
keeps (v.)
To continue to have or hold.
Example:The decision keeps women safe.
girls (n.)
Young female human beings.
Example:Carrie Johnson said this decision keeps girls safe.
safe (adj.)
Not dangerous or free from harm.
Example:The decision keeps women safe.
government (n.)
The group that runs a country.
Example:The government will check his case.
check (v.)
To look at something to see if it is correct.
Example:The government will check his case.
case (n.)
An instance or example.
Example:The government will check his case.
stay (v.)
To remain in a place.
Example:John stays in prison.
later (adv.)
At a later time.
Example:The government will check his case later.