Susanna Reid has admitted she will now be wary for her own safety after investigating John Worboys for an ITV documentary.
The Good Morning Britain presenter was praised on social media for her journalistic excellence as she interviewed victims of the black cab rapist, with viewers particularly impressed by Susanna’s sensitivity.
But the TV host acknowledged his possible release from prison plays on her mind – with Worboys’ victims condemned to suffering their own life sentences following his vile crimes.
She told Mirror Online: “Black cabs are a symbol of safety, an icon of dependability. [Worboys] deliberately manipulated that because he knew that vulnerable women would think that was a place of trust and a safe haven – and it absolutely wasn’t.
“In this case, going out at night, having a drink, it could have been any of us.”
Read more: Viewers in tears at Susanna Reid’s Becky Watts documentary
Susanna added: “The most striking thing for me was talking to a woman who personally feels guilty because if only she had been taken seriously and police had investigated her case, all those other women wouldn’t have been attacked.
“I felt it was a massive responsibility for me to tell her ‘it is not your fault’.”
watched the #Worboys documentary with mam this evening and we were moved to tears, all those women were so brave to speak out and @susannareid100 interviewed them so respectfully and with dignity
— Neave🥀🦊🍂 (@satvrnyne) February 22, 2018
Watching the #Worboys documentary I’m reminded of how good and authoritative a #journalist @susannareid100 is. Why she spends her time sitting next to @piersmorgan on the @GMB sofa beats me.
— Mark Blacklock (@MarxMedia) February 22, 2018
Susannah Reid is excellent at these interviews takes no prisoners, excuse the pun @susannareid100
— maddie (@1madwoman1962) February 22, 2018
One victim, identified as ‘Fiona’, was in tears as she told how she felt she could have done more after police failed to take her seriously.
She said: “I just want to put it right. Not because I did anything wrong. But for my own sanity I need to put it right.”
Susanna reassured her: “But John Worboys assaulted all these women. It is not your fault.”
Big love and respect to .@susannareid100 on her professional presenting and journalism! #JohnWorboys
One of the best presenters and journalists on TV!! Such a tough watch! So strong reporting on this.— Martin Harte (@martin_harte) February 22, 2018
New found respect for @susannareid100 watching #CrimeandPunishment series. She’s not backing down. Get ‘em lass.
— Spooky Agnes (@KerryPoppins) February 22, 2018
. @ITV’s Crime & Punisment documentaries have been excellent. Great to see a commitment to making good journalism for prime time. The last couple from @susannareid100 have been particularly well done.
— Christian Hewgill 🎙 (@ChrisHewgill) February 22, 2018
Fiona responded: “I just feel I need to make some good out of all this because maybe I could have done more. I don’t know.
“I just need to do something. I won’t let him do this again to anyone else.”
Worboys was convicted for assaults on 12 women in London in 2009. However, police believe he may have carried out more than 100 rapes and sexual assaults between 2002 and 2008, drugging his victims.
Last month, the Parole Board ruled Worboys was no longer a threat to women but were not required to detail how the decision was made. That ruling is now undergoing a judicial review.
A very touching show Susanna! Just a shame justice is how it is (so many flaws) my heart goes out to everyone of the victims! And to those that told their story tonight, god bless you. Please do not let this monster out!
— Han. (@HannahBate1) February 22, 2018
@susannareid100 compelling viewing, so many mistakes made. Must have been difficult to speak to his victims. Justice will continue to keep him off our streets hopefully! Great docu! X
— Charlotte (@lotti38) February 22, 2018
Worboys didn’t even do a year per victim. Don’t condone sins comments people are making but once again brilliant journalism from @susannareid100
— Matthew Knights (@mattknights1997) February 22, 2018
@susannareid100 just watched your documentary about John worboys a shocking story of a vile sexual predator. Harrowing tales from the victims also the failures of the police to believe one of the first victims great work once again @susannareid100
— Gary hyett (@gary_hyett) February 22, 2018
Watch John Worboys: The Taxi Cab Rapist on ITV Hub.
Read more: Susanna Reid reveals the surprise way Piers Morgan has changed her
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