Former British police officer jailed for life for serial rape

David Carrick, 48, dedicated dozens of offences throughout 20 years whereas serving in London’s Metropolitan Police power.

Carrick's case has piled additional strain on the UK's largest police power following a slew of scandals involving its officers [Hertfordshire Police/Handout via Reuters]

A former British police officer has been jailed for at the very least 30 years for raping and sexually assaulting a dozen girls throughout a 17-year interval.

David Carrick, who labored as an armed officer within the London Metropolitan Police power, appeared within the dock of Southwark Crown Courtroom on Tuesday as he was sentenced to a minimal time period of 32 years minus the time he has already spent in custody.

In the UK, these sentenced to life imprisonment should serve a minimal time period and can be launched provided that they're now not deemed to be a danger to the general public.

“Behind a public look of propriety and trustworthiness, you took monstrous benefit of ladies,” Decide Bobbie Cheema-Grubb mentioned.

“You overtly raped and sexually assaulted many ladies … and also you behaved as when you have been untouchable,” she added.

Carrick, 48, had beforehand pleaded responsible to 49 offences, together with 24 counts of rape, involving 12 victims.

His assaults came about between 2003 and 2020 and have been dedicated whereas serving within the Met’s parliamentary and diplomatic command, guarding the UK Parliament, the prime minister’s residence and international embassies.

Met underneath mounting strain

Carrick’s case has piled additional strain on the UK’s largest police power.

The Met was positioned underneath “particular measures” final 12 months after a slew of explosive scandals involving corruption, bullying, racism and misogyny amongst a few of its officers. That standing means the power is now subjected to heightened scrutiny, requiring it to report back to inspectors extra commonly.

A few of Carrick’s victims gave written statements to the courtroom, saying they now not trusted the police.

The UK’s residence secretary, Suella Braverman, known as his crimes “a scar” on the police.

“It's vital we uncover how he was capable of put on the uniform for thus lengthy,” she mentioned, including an inquiry is continuous into his behaviour and decision-making processes round his vetting.

My assertion on at the moment’s sentencing of David Carrick. pic.twitter.com/5wYWaTOG3w

— Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) February 7, 2023

Carrick had beforehand come to police consideration over 9 incidents together with accusations of harassment, assault and rape between 2000, the 12 months earlier than he started coaching with the Met, and October 2021, when he was first charged and arrested.

The Met suspended Carrick from obligation upon his arrest two years in the past and ultimately dismissed him final month. The power has apologised for failing to identify his sample of abuse.

Assistant Commissioner Barbara Grey mentioned in a press release on Sunday night that she was “really sorry for the hurt and devastation” prompted to Carrick’s victims.

“We allow them to down and we didn't determine a person within the ranks of the Metropolitan Police Service who carried out essentially the most terrible offences,” she mentioned. “He shouldn't have been a police officer.”