A former Metropolitan Police special constable who groomed and raped a 12-year-old girl and a woman has been sentenced to 24 years in prison. James Bubb, now identifying as Gwyn Samuels, committed the offences after befriending both victims online.
Samuels, 28, was convicted of multiple charges including rape of a child under 13, sexual activity with a child, and assault by penetration. The court heard that the defendant first sexually assaulted the girl in 2018 after meeting her on the chat site Omegle, later raping and abusing her. The second victim was raped during an on-off relationship that began when Samuels posed as a 16-year-old girl online.
Judge Jonathan Cooper sentenced Samuels to 32 years, comprising 24 years in custody and eight years on extended licence. He stated: 'You abused the most intimate trust of each of your victims. In each case you systematically groomed your victim, first to befriend them, then to abuse them, finally to bend them to your will.'
The judge noted that Samuels, who has transitioned, will remain in the male prison estate. He emphasised that the risk posed was due to criminal status, not transgender identity. A lifelong sexual harm prevention order was also imposed.
Detective Sergeant Kirsty Pendle urged anyone with information about possible further offences to contact police, referencing Operation Aspect.
