Passengers of former Bournemouth taxi driver who became known as the notorious ''black-cab rapist'' lost a crucial step in their battle for damages today.

Ten women had asked a High Court judge in London to rule in their favour in a unique action relating to the liability of motor insurers over their injuries.

John Worboys, 54, was jailed indefinitely in 2009 after being convicted at Croydon Crown Court of drugging and sexually assaulting women while working as a licensed London taxi driver.

Mr Justice Silber dismissed applications brought against Inceptum Insurance Company Limited, formerly known as HSBC Insurance (UK) Limited, on a preliminary issue of it was liable to pay damages because Worboys' crimes were committed in his insured taxi.

The judge expressed the ''greatest sympathy'' for the women ''in the light of the horrifying experiences that they suffered at the hands of Worboys'', but said his duty was to ''follow the appropriate legal principles''.