Former Met Special Constable Receives 24-Year Sentence for Grooming and Rape Offences
A former volunteer special constable with the Metropolitan Police has been handed a substantial prison term after being convicted of systematically grooming and raping two victims, including a child. Gwyn Samuels, who previously identified as James Bubb, was sentenced to 24 years' imprisonment with an additional eight years on extended licence, totalling 32 years under the court's order.
Details of the Disturbing Crimes
The trial at Aylesbury Crown Court revealed that Samuels, aged 28, first sexually assaulted a girl when she was just 12 years old. The defendant befriended the victim on the online chat site Omegle in 2018 and later met her in person at a Christian festival, where Samuels was working as a volunteer steward. The girl, who was wearing a colour-coded child's wristband to indicate her age, was assaulted shortly before her 13th birthday. The abuse escalated to rape and further sexual violence, with the victim reporting that Samuels choked and punched her, and boasted about the powers held as a Met officer.
In a separate case, Samuels was found guilty of raping a woman after posing online as a 16-year-old girl. The defendant met the victim when she was 18, and the abusive relationship persisted from January 2018 to February 2023. Throughout the trial, the defendant was referred to by their biological sex, but Judge Jonathan Cooper noted that since transitioning, they should be known as Gwyn Samuels.
Sentencing and Judicial Remarks
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Cooper emphasised the severity of the crimes, stating, "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." He further highlighted that Samuels poses a significant risk to women, a danger rooted in criminal behaviour rather than trans status. The defendant will remain in the male prison estate while in custody.
Samuels was convicted on multiple counts, including rape of a child under 13, sexual activity with a child, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, assault by penetration, and rape of the second victim. A lifelong sexual harm prevention order has been imposed, banning contact with young women.
Prosecution and Police Response
Paul Robson, a lawyer from the Crown Prosecution Service, commented on the case, noting, "The defendant had clearly sought to attain positions of trust within the community to gain the trust of the victims and the people around them. The offending has had a profound effect on the victims, and we are very grateful to them for their unwavering support throughout this prosecution."
Investigating officer DS Kirsty Pendle urged the public to come forward with any additional information, stating, "We keep an open mind as to whether Gwyn Samuels, formerly known as James Bubb, has committed any other offences. If you have any information about this defendant, please contact us quoting Operation Aspect." Authorities have provided multiple channels for reporting, including visiting a police station, calling 101, or using their website.
