In a case that has sent shockwaves through Britain's largest police force, former Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick has confessed to being one of the country's most prolific sex offenders while serving as an armed protector of politicians and diplomats.
The 48-year-old officer, who worked with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, admitted to 49 serious offences against 12 women over an 18-year period between 2003 and 2020. His horrific crimes include 24 counts of rape, alongside multiple charges of sexual assault, coercive control, and false imprisonment.
A Wolf in Police Uniform
Carrick used his position as a police officer to gain the trust of his victims before subjecting them to brutal attacks. The court heard how he would boast about his role in the Met to intimidate women, telling one victim: "I am a police officer, I am untouchable."
His crimes went undetected for nearly two decades despite nine separate incidents coming to police attention between 2000 and 2021. These included allegations of harassment, domestic violence, and rape - yet Carrick remained in his position with access to firearms.
Systemic Failures Exposed
The case has exposed catastrophic failures in the Metropolitan Police's vetting procedures and internal oversight. Assistant Commissioner Barbara Gray acknowledged the force's failings, stating: "We should have spotted his pattern of abusive behaviour and because we didn't, we missed opportunities to remove him from the organisation."
Carrick's case follows the conviction of another serving officer, Wayne Couzens, who murdered Sarah Everard in 2021 after using his police warrant card to stage a fake arrest.
Victims' Courage Brings Justice
Despite Carrick's attempts to control and silence his victims through threats and psychological manipulation, the courage of twelve women finally brought him to justice. Many victims described how he used his police status to make them feel powerless to report his crimes.
Detective Chief Inspector Iain Moor, who led the investigation, praised the victims' bravery: "Carrick held a role where he was trusted with a firearm to protect the public. Instead, he used that position to prey on women."
The former officer will be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court in February, facing the prospect of spending the rest of his life in prison for his devastating crimes.
