Former Met Police Officer sentenced to at least 30 years in prison
David Carrick was sacked from the force last month after pleading guilty to dozens of sexual offences
Last updated 7th Feb 2023
Former Metropolitan Police Officer from Hertfordshire, David Carrick, has been handed 36 life sentences and will serve a minimum of 30 years behind bars.
Carrick, who joined the Met in 2001, pleaded guilty to 49 charges, including 24 counts of rape.
Carrick's crimes were all carried out while serving with the force - he guarded sites including embassies and the Houses of Parliament, and completed training courses, including one on domestic abuse in 2005.
The Met was forced to apologise and admit Carrick should have been rooted out earlier after it emerged he came to police attention over nine incidents - including allegations of rape, domestic violence and harassment - between 2000 and 2021, with all but one of the incidents relating to his behaviour towards women.
Carrick faced no criminal sanctions or misconduct findings and police chiefs across England and Wales have since been asked to have all officers checked against national police databases by the end of March.
He was sacked from the force last month after pleading guilty and being unmasked as one of the country's most prolific sex offenders.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “My thoughts are with Carrick’s victims today. I want to pay tribute to their bravery and courage. By coming forward they have helped to protect the public and rid the Met Police of a dangerous and prolific offender who abused his position as a police officer in the worst possible way."
“This should never have been allowed to happen and must never happen again. There can be no hiding place for those who abuse their position of trust and authority within the police. I want to reassure the public and all the brave officers and staff who want to speak out that under the new Commissioner any allegation of misconduct will be taken seriously and handled sensitively. I urge people to come forward to report any unacceptable behaviour.
“I support the renewed action being taken by the Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley to review past misconduct cases and I welcome the widening of the Angiolini Inquiry to consider Carrick’s crimes and look at vetting and recruitment procedures and the extent of misogynistic culture in policing.
“I’ll continue to support and hold the Met to account to ensure we root out all those who are unfit to serve as police officers and deliver the urgent reforms and step change in culture and performance required. As mayor, I will not be satisfied until Londoners have the police service they deserve.”
More to follow.