Met Police Officer David Carrick Pleads Guilty to Multiple Rapes and Sexual Offences
The Metropolitan Police have condemned the shocking crimes of serving officer David Carrick, who has admitted to a string of rapes and serious sexual offences.
At Southwark Crown Court today, Carrick pleaded guilty to false imprisonment, indecent assault, and four counts of rape. This follows an earlier hearing at the Old Bailey where he admitted 43 offences, including 20 counts of rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and sexual assault.
He remains in custody and will be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court starting Monday, 6 February.
Met Apologises to Victims and Vows Crackdown on Corrupt Officers
Assistant Commissioner Barbara Gray, lead for Professionalism, issued a stark apology: “On behalf of the Metropolitan Police, I want to apologise to the women who have suffered at Carrick’s hands. Their bravery in coming forward is outstanding.”
“Carrick is a prolific serial sex offender who abused his position as a police officer to terrorise women for years.
“His actions have devastated lives and destroyed trust in the police, and we deeply regret missing the signs earlier.”
“We are committed to rooting out any officers who abuse their power and will use every tool at our disposal to do so.”
Gray praised Hertfordshire Constabulary for their thorough investigation that spared victims from the trauma of a trial.
History of Missed Warnings and Failures to Act
After Carrick was charged in October 2021, the Met carried out a detailed review of his police record and conduct. It revealed multiple off-duty incidents reported across various forces, including harassment and domestic incidents—none of which resulted in charges or led to earlier intervention.
- Prior to joining the police in 2001, Carrick was a suspect in allegations involving a former partner in 2000.
- Between 2002 and 2019, he was involved in various alleged incidents of harassment, assault, and domestic disputes across London and surrounding counties.
- Despite these red flags, Carrick’s behaviour was never properly investigated or disciplined.
Met vetting processes at the time were less rigorous. Carrick was successfully cleared on joining and again in 2017, although had he applied under current standards, he would likely have been rejected.
New Measures in Fight Against Corruption and Abuse
In the wake of Carrick’s case and other recent scandals, the Met has pledged major reforms.
- Over 400 new officers and staff have been brought in to root out offending within the force.
- A specialist Domestic Abuse and Sexual Offending Unit with 50+ experienced investigators now targets abuses by police personnel.
- The new Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command actively probes those who exploit their position, on and off duty.
- An internal review and audit of police databases is ongoing to spot hidden warning signs.
- The Met has launched an anonymous anti-corruption hotline with Crimestoppers for public tip-offs on officer misconduct.
Assistant Commissioner Gray emphasised: “Our work to identify and remove corrupt officers is relentless. The public can have confidence the Met is determined to change.”
David Carrick’s Police Career and Complaints Summary
- Joined the Met in 2001, initially serving in Merton and Barnet before transferring to Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection in 2009.
- Faced five public complaints between 2002 and 2008, none sexual in nature—mostly linked to rudeness or use of force, with some withdrawn.
- Had multiple off-duty incidents reported to police forces from 2000 onwards but avoided criminal charges or misconduct action.
- Suspended immediately upon arrest in October 2021; pay stopped following guilty pleas.
Despite the extensive history, Carrick’s offending remained largely unchecked for years—an institutional failure now under intense scrutiny.
