A serving Metropolitan Police officer who weaponised his status to terrorise women has been handed a 16-year prison sentence for a catalogue of horrific crimes, including rape, coercive control, and stalking.
Clifford Mitchell, 24, was found guilty at Kingston Crown Court of offences against three women between October 2020 and March 2023. The court heard how he used his position as a police constable to instil fear in his victims, chillingly telling one of them, "I am the law", in the belief that he was untouchable.
A Betrayal of Trust and a Campaign of Terror
Mitchell's crimes reveal a profound abuse of power. The prosecution detailed a pattern of behaviour where he would:
- Threaten women with his police-issue equipment, including handcuffs, to intimidate them.
- Use his knowledge of police procedures to make his victims believe they would not be taken seriously if they reported him.
- Engage in persistent stalking and coercive control, leaving the women in a constant state of fear.
Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who leads the Met's Professionalism Command, condemned Mitchell's actions, stating his behaviour was "truly awful" and that he had "exploited his position as a police officer to cause fear and exert control."
Justice Served Behind Bars
Mitchell, who was based in the North Area Basic Command Unit, was found guilty of three counts of rape, three counts of stalking, and one count of breaching a non-molestation order. In addition to the custodial sentence, he was placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely and made subject to a restraining order.
The sentencing judge described Mitchell's conduct as a "grave abuse of power" and a "gross betrayal" of the trust placed in him by the public. The case has once again raised serious questions about vetting and standards within the Metropolitan Police.
The Met has confirmed that a misconduct hearing will now be convened, which is expected to result in Mitchell's dismissal from the force.
