ITV has launched a new true crime drama, 'Believe Me', which explores the harrowing case of John Worboys, known as the 'black cab rapist'. The series, penned by acclaimed writer Jeff Pope, aims to shed light on the systemic failures and institutional complicity that allowed Worboys to continue his crimes for an extended period, preying on women in London.
Worboys, a former black cab driver, was convicted in 2009 of 19 offences, including rape, sexual assault, and administering a substance with intent to commit a sexual offence. He was sentenced to indefinite imprisonment for public protection. However, it later emerged that he had committed many more assaults, with police identifying over 100 potential victims. The case highlighted significant shortcomings in police investigations and the justice system's initial response to victims' complaints.
The drama has been noted for its powerful depiction of the victims' experiences and the uphill battle they faced in being believed by authorities. Critics have acknowledged Pope's effective capture of the establishment's role in facilitating Worboys' actions through inaction or insufficient investigation. This focus on institutional failure provides crucial context for understanding how such a prolific offender operated undetected for so long.
However, 'Believe Me' has also faced scrutiny regarding its creative choices, particularly the decision to re-enact some of Worboys' assaults. While aiming to convey the horror of the crimes, some reviewers have questioned whether such depictions are necessary for entertainment purposes, suggesting they risk being perceived as 'tawdry' or exploitative, despite the series' broader aims of exposing injustice. This raises ongoing ethical questions within the true crime genre about the balance between dramatisation and respect for victims.
The series is available to stream on ITVX, ITV's streaming service, making it accessible to audiences across the UK. The case of John Worboys remains a significant and sensitive topic in British criminal justice history, prompting reforms in how sexual assault cases are investigated and how victims are treated within the legal system. The drama serves as a stark reminder of the importance of listening to and believing victims of crime.