UK
Serial rapist served as officer for 20 years as Met Police failed to spot ‘escalating pattern’ of abuse
Lizzie Dearden
Mon, 16 January 2023
Police failed to identify an “escalating pattern” of abuse towards women by serial rapist David Carrick, leaving him free to target more victims for two decades.
The former Metropolitan Police firearms officer was allowed to remain in the force despite police recording nine incidents, including rape and violent assault, because he was never prosecuted.
Carrick, now 48, started his campaign of abuse before joining up, with the Metropolitan Police investigating him in 2000 for allegedly harassing and burgling a former partner after refusing to accept the end of the relationship.
No charges were brought and when he was vetted as part of his application to join the same force the following year, he passed the checks and was allowed to become a constable.
Despite coming to the attention of police again in 2002, 2004, 2009, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021, none of the incidents resulted in prosecution and Scotland Yard repeatedly decided that he had “no case to answer” for disciplinary proceedings.
Months after Sarah Everard was murdered by another serving Met officer in March 2021, Carrick was finally arrested by Hertfordshire Police for raping one of his victims and placed on restricted duties.
But the investigation ended with no action being taken and in September 2021, the Metropolitan Police said it “determined that he had no case to answer in relation to any misconduct matters” and lifted all restrictions.
That same month, then-commissioner Dame Cressida Dick vowed to do “everything in my power to ensure we learn any lessons” from the murder of Everard, adding: “Here in the Met I commit to keep working with others to improve women’s safety.”
Carrick has admitted 49 offences, including 24 rapes, against 12 women between 2003 and 2020 – all committed during his career in the Metropolitan Police.
Senior officers said that Carrick’s colleagues had never raised concerns about his conduct, despite nicknaming him “b*****d Dave”, and that although he was the subject of five public complaints between 2002 and 2008 none were of a sexual nature.
Allegations of rudeness, incivility and the use of force were all dismissed, withdrawn or “dealt with by management action locally”.
Assistant commissioner Barbara Gray, who is responsible for anti-corruption and misconduct issues in the Metropolitan Police, admitted that a retrospective review of incidents investigated by Scotland Yard, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Police revealed a “pattern of behaviour” that should have been spotted and acted on.
“Carrick is a prolific serial sex offender who preyed on women over a period of many years, abusing his position as a police officer and committing the most horrific, degrading crimes,” she told a press conference.
“While much of his offending was not known to the Met, there was an escalation of abusive behaviours that should have been identified.”
Ms Gray said there was “no explanation” she could provide on why officers in the Directorate of Professional Standards appeared to have dealt with each known incident individually, rather than looking back at Carrick’s history and joining the dots.
“The man should not have been in the police, there’s no doubt about that,” the senior officer admitted. “The pattern of offending should most certainly have been identified.”
She did not directly answer questions on whether she felt Scotland Yard was responsible for leaving him free to rape more women through its failings, but commended the bravery of the victims who came forward and said: “I am truly sorry they have suffered at the hands of this man.”
Ms Gray said that issues relating to the case had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, while there is an internal review into Carrick’s unit and a probe into serving police officers and staff subject to past allegations of sexual offences and domestic abuse.
“The duration and nature of Carrick’s offending is unprecedented in policing and regrettably he is not the only Met officer to be charged with serious sexual offences in the recent past,” Ms Gray added.
“Our work to rid the Met of these people is urgent and it is far-reaching. We will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who corrupt our integrity.”
Carrick technically remains a serving Metropolitan Police officer, because disciplinary processes could not start during the live court case, but an “accelerated misconduct hearing” is to be held on Tuesday where he will be formally dismissed.
It is less than 18 months since he was allowed to remain in the force after being arrested for raping one of his victims – a crime he later admitted. The assistant commissioner claimed that she would “not expect anyone with his pattern of behaviour to be in the police service today”.
Scotland Yard said that vetting requirements had become “more robust” since 2017, when Carrick last passed checks, and that someone with Carrick’s history would not be allowed to join the force or pass re-vetting.
A statement added: “Cases where no further action is taken in relation to criminal allegations are now more likely to be further interrogated to identify any underlying concerns.
“We have a dedicated team of officers who make up the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Offences Unit in our Directorate of Professional Standards who are taking allegations forward, supporting victims and ensuring we build evidence against officers where we believe they have a case to answer.”
Timeline:
2000: Met Police investigate former partner’s two separate allegations of malicious communications and burglary after Carrick “refused to accept the end of their relationship”. No arrest, no further action.
2001: Carrick joins the Metropolitan Police and becomes a response officer in Merton.
2002: During Carrick’s probation period, Met investigates former partner’s accusation of harassment and assault. No arrest, no further action, no disciplinary process.
2004: Carrick “involved in a domestic incident” and Met responds. No criminal allegations were made, he was not arrested. No arrest, no further action, no disciplinary process.
2005: Carrick moves from Merton to the London borough of Barnet.
2009: Hertfordshire Constabulary officers respond to a third party report of a domestic incident involving Carrick. No arrest, Met informed but no “formal referral” made.
Also 2009: Carrick transfers into Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, becomes an armed guard at parliamentary, government and diplomatic premises.
2016: Carrick an initial suspect in a Hampshire Police investigation following an allegation of harassment. No arrest, investigation closed.
2017: Thames Valley Police officers speak to Carrick after he was ejected from a nightclub in Reading for being drunk. No arrest, no referral to Met.
2019: Hertfordshire police receive allegation that Carrick grabbed partner by the neck during a domestic incident. No further action, matter referred to Met but officer only “given words of advice in relation to informing his chain of command about off duty incidents”. Force finds no case to answer in relation to misconduct.
July 2021: Carrick arrested by Hertfordshire Constabulary following rape allegation. Case dropped in August after victim decided not to proceed, although Carrick has now admitted offence. Met puts Carrick on restricted duties but after investigation stopped, determines “he had no case to answer in relation to any misconduct matters” and lifts work restrictions in September.
October 2021: Hertfordshire Constabulary arrests Carrick for rape a second time and he is charged.
'Deeply rotten': Is the Metropolitan Police damaged beyond repair?
The news that a serving Met officer was one of the UK's worst ever sex offenders has led campaigners to ask whether the force can keep the public safe.
Ross McGuinness
Tue, 17 January 2023
David Carrick carried out a number of sex attacks while serving in the Metropolitan Police. (PA)
The Metropolitan Police has been plunged into further crisis after one of its officers was revealed to be one of the UK's worst ever sex offenders.
PC David Carrick, 48, from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, pleaded guilty to 49 offences across two decades, including 24 counts of rape.
The police missed multiple opportunities to stop him, allowing Carrick to attack at least a dozen women during an 18-year-period. He faced no criminal sanctions or misconduct findings despite coming to the attention of police over nine incidents, including rape allegations.
The case has sparked widespread anger, coming two years after Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens murdered 33-year-old Sarah Everard, as campaigners say women cannot trust the force.
Yahoo News UK outlines the crisis in the Metropolitan Police in 9 points
The crimes: PC David Carrick pled guilty to 49 offences, including 24 counts of rape. Some of his victims were locked in a cupboard under the stairs or forced to clean his house naked. Carrick whipped one woman with a belt and urinated on some of his victims.
Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick admitted carrying out sex attacks on 12 women over an 18-year period. (PA)
Evading capture: Carrick had come to the attention of police over nine incidents, including allegations of rape, domestic violence and harassment, between 2000 and 2021, but faced no criminal sanctions or misconduct findings. He was allowed to continue working as a police officer and continued to abuse his victims.
Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised over the David Carrick case. (Alamy)
Met apology: The Met acknowledged its failures in the care. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “This will lead to some women across London questioning whether they can trust the Met to keep them safe. We have failed. And I’m sorry. He should not have been a police officer.”
Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens was given a whole life prison term for the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard. (AP)
Wayne Couzens: Carrick's case comes less than two years after serving Met Police officer Wayne Couzens kidnapped raped and murdered Sarah Everard. Couzens used his police badge to falsely arrest his victim. The case led to intense scrutiny of misogyny and wrongdoing on the part of police officers.
Met review: The force admits that despite these two high-profile cases, it has not expelled potential sex offenders from its ranks. A spokesperson confirmed 1,633 cases of alleged sexual offences or domestic violence involving 1,071 officers and staff are currently being reviewed from the last 10 years. The accusations range from arguments to the most serious sexual crimes including rape.
Campaigners' reaction: Harriet Wistrich, director of the Centre for Women's Justice, said Carrick's crimes revealed "the deeply rotten misogynistic culture that has been allowed to fester within the Met". The Women's Equality Party said: "They knew. The Met knew about the allegations for 20 years. They did nothing as a serial rapist abused his power. They are complicit."
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he was 'sickened' by David Carrick's crimes. (AP)
Political reaction: Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: "There must be a full, urgent review on how serial rapist Carrick could serve as police officer for so long. Government promised action after Sarah Everard’s murder but too little changed." Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "I am absolutely sickened by the truly abhorrent offences that David Carrick has committed."
The Metropolitan Police were criticised for their handling of a vigil for murdered Sarah Everard on Clapham Common in March 2021. (AP)
Previous scandals: Cressida Dick resigned as commissioner last year following a number of scandals, including the Couzens case and the police mishandling of a vigil for Sarah Everard. The Met was also accused of "institutional corruption" over the unsolved murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan.
Met response: The force said staff who have previously been accused of sex offences or domestic abuse are subject to an ongoing review. Officers who abuse their positions of trust are also being investigated and identified, the Met said.
Lizzie Dearden
Mon, 16 January 2023
Police failed to identify an “escalating pattern” of abuse towards women by serial rapist David Carrick, leaving him free to target more victims for two decades.
The former Metropolitan Police firearms officer was allowed to remain in the force despite police recording nine incidents, including rape and violent assault, because he was never prosecuted.
Carrick, now 48, started his campaign of abuse before joining up, with the Metropolitan Police investigating him in 2000 for allegedly harassing and burgling a former partner after refusing to accept the end of the relationship.
No charges were brought and when he was vetted as part of his application to join the same force the following year, he passed the checks and was allowed to become a constable.
Despite coming to the attention of police again in 2002, 2004, 2009, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021, none of the incidents resulted in prosecution and Scotland Yard repeatedly decided that he had “no case to answer” for disciplinary proceedings.
Months after Sarah Everard was murdered by another serving Met officer in March 2021, Carrick was finally arrested by Hertfordshire Police for raping one of his victims and placed on restricted duties.
But the investigation ended with no action being taken and in September 2021, the Metropolitan Police said it “determined that he had no case to answer in relation to any misconduct matters” and lifted all restrictions.
That same month, then-commissioner Dame Cressida Dick vowed to do “everything in my power to ensure we learn any lessons” from the murder of Everard, adding: “Here in the Met I commit to keep working with others to improve women’s safety.”
Carrick has admitted 49 offences, including 24 rapes, against 12 women between 2003 and 2020 – all committed during his career in the Metropolitan Police.
Senior officers said that Carrick’s colleagues had never raised concerns about his conduct, despite nicknaming him “b*****d Dave”, and that although he was the subject of five public complaints between 2002 and 2008 none were of a sexual nature.
Allegations of rudeness, incivility and the use of force were all dismissed, withdrawn or “dealt with by management action locally”.
Assistant commissioner Barbara Gray, who is responsible for anti-corruption and misconduct issues in the Metropolitan Police, admitted that a retrospective review of incidents investigated by Scotland Yard, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Police revealed a “pattern of behaviour” that should have been spotted and acted on.
“Carrick is a prolific serial sex offender who preyed on women over a period of many years, abusing his position as a police officer and committing the most horrific, degrading crimes,” she told a press conference.
“While much of his offending was not known to the Met, there was an escalation of abusive behaviours that should have been identified.”
Ms Gray said there was “no explanation” she could provide on why officers in the Directorate of Professional Standards appeared to have dealt with each known incident individually, rather than looking back at Carrick’s history and joining the dots.
“The man should not have been in the police, there’s no doubt about that,” the senior officer admitted. “The pattern of offending should most certainly have been identified.”
She did not directly answer questions on whether she felt Scotland Yard was responsible for leaving him free to rape more women through its failings, but commended the bravery of the victims who came forward and said: “I am truly sorry they have suffered at the hands of this man.”
Ms Gray said that issues relating to the case had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, while there is an internal review into Carrick’s unit and a probe into serving police officers and staff subject to past allegations of sexual offences and domestic abuse.
“The duration and nature of Carrick’s offending is unprecedented in policing and regrettably he is not the only Met officer to be charged with serious sexual offences in the recent past,” Ms Gray added.
“Our work to rid the Met of these people is urgent and it is far-reaching. We will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who corrupt our integrity.”
Carrick technically remains a serving Metropolitan Police officer, because disciplinary processes could not start during the live court case, but an “accelerated misconduct hearing” is to be held on Tuesday where he will be formally dismissed.
It is less than 18 months since he was allowed to remain in the force after being arrested for raping one of his victims – a crime he later admitted. The assistant commissioner claimed that she would “not expect anyone with his pattern of behaviour to be in the police service today”.
Scotland Yard said that vetting requirements had become “more robust” since 2017, when Carrick last passed checks, and that someone with Carrick’s history would not be allowed to join the force or pass re-vetting.
A statement added: “Cases where no further action is taken in relation to criminal allegations are now more likely to be further interrogated to identify any underlying concerns.
“We have a dedicated team of officers who make up the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Offences Unit in our Directorate of Professional Standards who are taking allegations forward, supporting victims and ensuring we build evidence against officers where we believe they have a case to answer.”
Timeline:
2000: Met Police investigate former partner’s two separate allegations of malicious communications and burglary after Carrick “refused to accept the end of their relationship”. No arrest, no further action.
2001: Carrick joins the Metropolitan Police and becomes a response officer in Merton.
2002: During Carrick’s probation period, Met investigates former partner’s accusation of harassment and assault. No arrest, no further action, no disciplinary process.
2004: Carrick “involved in a domestic incident” and Met responds. No criminal allegations were made, he was not arrested. No arrest, no further action, no disciplinary process.
2005: Carrick moves from Merton to the London borough of Barnet.
2009: Hertfordshire Constabulary officers respond to a third party report of a domestic incident involving Carrick. No arrest, Met informed but no “formal referral” made.
Also 2009: Carrick transfers into Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, becomes an armed guard at parliamentary, government and diplomatic premises.
2016: Carrick an initial suspect in a Hampshire Police investigation following an allegation of harassment. No arrest, investigation closed.
2017: Thames Valley Police officers speak to Carrick after he was ejected from a nightclub in Reading for being drunk. No arrest, no referral to Met.
2019: Hertfordshire police receive allegation that Carrick grabbed partner by the neck during a domestic incident. No further action, matter referred to Met but officer only “given words of advice in relation to informing his chain of command about off duty incidents”. Force finds no case to answer in relation to misconduct.
July 2021: Carrick arrested by Hertfordshire Constabulary following rape allegation. Case dropped in August after victim decided not to proceed, although Carrick has now admitted offence. Met puts Carrick on restricted duties but after investigation stopped, determines “he had no case to answer in relation to any misconduct matters” and lifts work restrictions in September.
October 2021: Hertfordshire Constabulary arrests Carrick for rape a second time and he is charged.
'Deeply rotten': Is the Metropolitan Police damaged beyond repair?
The news that a serving Met officer was one of the UK's worst ever sex offenders has led campaigners to ask whether the force can keep the public safe.
Ross McGuinness
Tue, 17 January 2023
David Carrick carried out a number of sex attacks while serving in the Metropolitan Police. (PA)
The Metropolitan Police has been plunged into further crisis after one of its officers was revealed to be one of the UK's worst ever sex offenders.
PC David Carrick, 48, from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, pleaded guilty to 49 offences across two decades, including 24 counts of rape.
The police missed multiple opportunities to stop him, allowing Carrick to attack at least a dozen women during an 18-year-period. He faced no criminal sanctions or misconduct findings despite coming to the attention of police over nine incidents, including rape allegations.
The case has sparked widespread anger, coming two years after Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens murdered 33-year-old Sarah Everard, as campaigners say women cannot trust the force.
Yahoo News UK outlines the crisis in the Metropolitan Police in 9 points
The crimes: PC David Carrick pled guilty to 49 offences, including 24 counts of rape. Some of his victims were locked in a cupboard under the stairs or forced to clean his house naked. Carrick whipped one woman with a belt and urinated on some of his victims.
Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick admitted carrying out sex attacks on 12 women over an 18-year period. (PA)
Evading capture: Carrick had come to the attention of police over nine incidents, including allegations of rape, domestic violence and harassment, between 2000 and 2021, but faced no criminal sanctions or misconduct findings. He was allowed to continue working as a police officer and continued to abuse his victims.
Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised over the David Carrick case. (Alamy)
Met apology: The Met acknowledged its failures in the care. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “This will lead to some women across London questioning whether they can trust the Met to keep them safe. We have failed. And I’m sorry. He should not have been a police officer.”
Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens was given a whole life prison term for the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard. (AP)
Wayne Couzens: Carrick's case comes less than two years after serving Met Police officer Wayne Couzens kidnapped raped and murdered Sarah Everard. Couzens used his police badge to falsely arrest his victim. The case led to intense scrutiny of misogyny and wrongdoing on the part of police officers.
Met review: The force admits that despite these two high-profile cases, it has not expelled potential sex offenders from its ranks. A spokesperson confirmed 1,633 cases of alleged sexual offences or domestic violence involving 1,071 officers and staff are currently being reviewed from the last 10 years. The accusations range from arguments to the most serious sexual crimes including rape.
Campaigners' reaction: Harriet Wistrich, director of the Centre for Women's Justice, said Carrick's crimes revealed "the deeply rotten misogynistic culture that has been allowed to fester within the Met". The Women's Equality Party said: "They knew. The Met knew about the allegations for 20 years. They did nothing as a serial rapist abused his power. They are complicit."
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he was 'sickened' by David Carrick's crimes. (AP)
Political reaction: Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: "There must be a full, urgent review on how serial rapist Carrick could serve as police officer for so long. Government promised action after Sarah Everard’s murder but too little changed." Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "I am absolutely sickened by the truly abhorrent offences that David Carrick has committed."
The Metropolitan Police were criticised for their handling of a vigil for murdered Sarah Everard on Clapham Common in March 2021. (AP)
Previous scandals: Cressida Dick resigned as commissioner last year following a number of scandals, including the Couzens case and the police mishandling of a vigil for Sarah Everard. The Met was also accused of "institutional corruption" over the unsolved murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan.
Met response: The force said staff who have previously been accused of sex offences or domestic abuse are subject to an ongoing review. Officers who abuse their positions of trust are also being investigated and identified, the Met said.
Victoria Ward
Mon, 16 January 2023
David Carrick
Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, admitted the force had “failed” after David Carrick, a serving officer, pleaded guilty to dozens of rape and sexual offences against at least 13 women.
Sir Mark said: “All I can say is I’m sorry. I’m sorry that we have let you down.”
He told Sky News: “Not only have we let down the women in this case, the survivors who have courageously come forward, but I completely recognise that’s going to be the reaction of women across London and indeed more widely.
“You have my absolute word that we are going to be ruthless about sorting this out, about getting these people out the way and creating an organisation that’s better at dealing with the plague of sexual violence that we are seeing across the country.”
Carrick, 48, committed dozens of depraved attacks on at least 13 women in Hertfordshire and London between 2003 and 2020, despite being employed as an armed officer responsible for protecting Parliament, government offices and other high-profile locations.
He used his position as a police officer to gain the trust of his victims, sometimes flashing his warrant card and telling them they would be “safe” with him.
After attacking them, Carrick would say they would never be believed because he was a policeman and it would be his word against theirs.
Scotland Yard bosses have apologised to his victims after admitting missing numerous opportunities to prevent his offending and failing to act on repeated complaints about his behaviour.
Sir Mark said: “This man abused women in the most disgusting manner. It is sickening. We’ve let women and girls down, and indeed we’ve let Londoners down.
“The women who suffered and survived this violence have been unimaginably brave and courageous in coming forward. I do understand also that this will lead to some women across London questioning whether they can trust the Met to keep them safe.
“We have failed, and I’m sorry. He should not have been a police officer. We haven’t applied the same sense of ruthlessness to guarding our own integrity that we routinely apply to confronting criminals.
“We failed in two respects. We failed as investigators, where we should have been more intrusive and joined the dots on this repeated misogyny over a couple of decades. And, as leaders, our mindset should have been more determined to root out such a misogynist.
“These failures are horrific examples of the systemic failures that concern me and were highlighted by Baroness Casey in her recent review. I do know an apology doesn’t go far enough, but I do think it’s important to acknowledge our failings and for me to say I'm sorry.
“I apologise to all of David Carrick’s victims. I also want to say sorry to all of the women across London who feel we've let them down.”
Met Police chief faces crisis over serial rapist officer
Sir Mark Rowley says force ‘failed’ over David Carrick, who has pleaded guilty to 49 charges against 12 victims
CRIME EDITOR
and Camilla Turner,
CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT
16 January 2023 • 10:05pm
Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, faced his first major crisis less than five months into the job on Monday after it emerged that a Scotland Yard officer had carried out scores of rapes.
David Carrick, who joined the Met in 2001, has now pleaded guilty to 49 charges against 12 victims covering a total of 85 separate offences, making him one of Britain’s most prolific rapists.
He used his position as a police officer to gain the trust of his victims, sometimes flashing his warrant card and telling them they would be “safe” with him.
Most recently, Carrick served as an armed officer protecting Parliament and MPs, and the force has acknowledged that nine potential opportunities to catch him were missed.
These included that Carrick was arrested on suspicion of rape three months before he was eventually charged, shortly after Wayne Couzens had admitted the rape and murder of Sarah Everard, but was never suspended from the force. Carrick also missed vital vetting checks but then passed with flying colours, despite having numerous red flags against his name.
Sir Mark, who took over as Britain’s most senior police officer in September, spoke out on Monday night amid mounting pressure over the blunders and criticism from MPs after a day of silence. Politicians called for an investigation into the failings in the Carrick case.
He had previously held the role of Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations at the Met, which Carrick’s unit came under.
Sir Mark said: “This man abused women in the most disgusting manner. It is sickening. We’ve let women and girls down, and indeed we’ve let Londoners down.
“We have failed, and I’m sorry. He should not have been a police officer. We haven’t applied the same sense of ruthlessness to guarding our own integrity that we routinely apply to confronting criminals. I do know an apology doesn’t go far enough, but I do think it’s important to acknowledge our failings and for me to say I’m sorry.
The scandal represents Sir Mark’s first crisis since taking over from Dame Cressida Dick, who was forced to resign after losing the confidence of Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London.
He has insisted he will root out those who are corrupting the service, but the scale of the task was laid bare on Monday when it emerged that more than 1,000 officers accused of sex offences or domestic abuse are to have their cases reviewed.
Scotland Yard has admitted failing to spot Carrick’s escalating pattern of behaviour, and there are concerns that there could be many more predatory males in the ranks.
As well as pleading guilty to more than 40 rape offences, Carrick sexually assaulted, beat, humiliated and controlled his victims, banning some from eating and even locking one, naked, in a cupboard under his staircase for up to 10 hours.
A year after joining the Met, and while he was still in his probation period, he was accused of actual bodily harm following an attack on a girlfriend who wanted to end their relationship. Two years later, in 2004, he was involved in another suspected domestic incident, but neither incident resulted in any action from his Scotland Yard bosses.
There were further domestic abuse allegations made against him in 2009 and again in 2019, but no action was taken against him on either occasion other than words of advice from his bosses.
In July 2021, Carrick was arrested by a neighbouring force on suspicion of rape. Scotland Yard was informed and Carrick was placed on restricted duties, but when the victim later withdrew the complaint he was cleared to return to work. He has now pleaded guilty to that attack.
On Monday night Priti Patel, a former home secretary, said new laws were needed to stamp out police sleaze, adding: “We have got to break the locker room culture and all this subjectivity.
“We have to take statutory measures to help rebuild trust and confidence of the public in policing and give women assurances that they are being taken seriously when they report crimes against them.”
Meanwhile, MPs said the new commissioner would be judged on his ability to quickly reform the Met, which has been hit by a string of scandals in recent years.
Lee Anderson, a Tory MP and member of the home affairs select committee, said Sir Mark should identify those within the police who had failed to spot Carrick’s escalating pattern of behaviour and sack them.
He added: “People in high places get high wages, therefore they should be held accountable. How can the public have confidence in the Met Police solving sex crimes when it is happening right under their nose?”
Tim Loughton, another Tory MP who is a member of the home affairs select committee, said: “There’s got to be full transparency. The mindset has got to change where you have officers who are aware of it going on – they have a duty of care to call it out.
“Just turning a blind eye, let alone condoning, it is unacceptable and makes you almost as guilty as the perpetrator. Sir Mark Rowley has to throw the light of scrutiny and transparency into police practice.”
Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, faced his first major crisis less than five months into the job on Monday after it emerged that a Scotland Yard officer had carried out scores of rapes.
David Carrick, who joined the Met in 2001, has now pleaded guilty to 49 charges against 12 victims covering a total of 85 separate offences, making him one of Britain’s most prolific rapists.
He used his position as a police officer to gain the trust of his victims, sometimes flashing his warrant card and telling them they would be “safe” with him.
Most recently, Carrick served as an armed officer protecting Parliament and MPs, and the force has acknowledged that nine potential opportunities to catch him were missed.
These included that Carrick was arrested on suspicion of rape three months before he was eventually charged, shortly after Wayne Couzens had admitted the rape and murder of Sarah Everard, but was never suspended from the force. Carrick also missed vital vetting checks but then passed with flying colours, despite having numerous red flags against his name.
Sir Mark, who took over as Britain’s most senior police officer in September, spoke out on Monday night amid mounting pressure over the blunders and criticism from MPs after a day of silence. Politicians called for an investigation into the failings in the Carrick case.
He had previously held the role of Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations at the Met, which Carrick’s unit came under.
Sir Mark said: “This man abused women in the most disgusting manner. It is sickening. We’ve let women and girls down, and indeed we’ve let Londoners down.
“We have failed, and I’m sorry. He should not have been a police officer. We haven’t applied the same sense of ruthlessness to guarding our own integrity that we routinely apply to confronting criminals. I do know an apology doesn’t go far enough, but I do think it’s important to acknowledge our failings and for me to say I’m sorry.
The scandal represents Sir Mark’s first crisis since taking over from Dame Cressida Dick, who was forced to resign after losing the confidence of Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London.
He has insisted he will root out those who are corrupting the service, but the scale of the task was laid bare on Monday when it emerged that more than 1,000 officers accused of sex offences or domestic abuse are to have their cases reviewed.
Scotland Yard has admitted failing to spot Carrick’s escalating pattern of behaviour, and there are concerns that there could be many more predatory males in the ranks.
As well as pleading guilty to more than 40 rape offences, Carrick sexually assaulted, beat, humiliated and controlled his victims, banning some from eating and even locking one, naked, in a cupboard under his staircase for up to 10 hours.
A year after joining the Met, and while he was still in his probation period, he was accused of actual bodily harm following an attack on a girlfriend who wanted to end their relationship. Two years later, in 2004, he was involved in another suspected domestic incident, but neither incident resulted in any action from his Scotland Yard bosses.
There were further domestic abuse allegations made against him in 2009 and again in 2019, but no action was taken against him on either occasion other than words of advice from his bosses.
In July 2021, Carrick was arrested by a neighbouring force on suspicion of rape. Scotland Yard was informed and Carrick was placed on restricted duties, but when the victim later withdrew the complaint he was cleared to return to work. He has now pleaded guilty to that attack.
On Monday night Priti Patel, a former home secretary, said new laws were needed to stamp out police sleaze, adding: “We have got to break the locker room culture and all this subjectivity.
“We have to take statutory measures to help rebuild trust and confidence of the public in policing and give women assurances that they are being taken seriously when they report crimes against them.”
Meanwhile, MPs said the new commissioner would be judged on his ability to quickly reform the Met, which has been hit by a string of scandals in recent years.
Lee Anderson, a Tory MP and member of the home affairs select committee, said Sir Mark should identify those within the police who had failed to spot Carrick’s escalating pattern of behaviour and sack them.
He added: “People in high places get high wages, therefore they should be held accountable. How can the public have confidence in the Met Police solving sex crimes when it is happening right under their nose?”
Tim Loughton, another Tory MP who is a member of the home affairs select committee, said: “There’s got to be full transparency. The mindset has got to change where you have officers who are aware of it going on – they have a duty of care to call it out.
“Just turning a blind eye, let alone condoning, it is unacceptable and makes you almost as guilty as the perpetrator. Sir Mark Rowley has to throw the light of scrutiny and transparency into police practice.”
Louise Casey, the government official who recently published a damning report into the Met’s handling of misconduct cases, has written to Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, asking for a review into the Carrick case.
Baroness Casey's report found that up to 60 per cent of misconduct allegations made against Met officers resulted in a “no case to answer decision”.
She also found that the force’s threshold for deciding when it could sack officers was set too high, meaning that many of those guilty of offences such as repeated sexual misconduct were allowed to remain on the force.
Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, said an urgent review of the blunders in the Carrick case was needed, adding: “For the sake of his victims and survivors, there should be an investigation into how the alarm bells and red flags have been ignored in this case. Without swift action, the public will not regain trust in the police.”
Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, also said there needed to be urgent reform if trust and confidence were to be restored to policing.
She said: “The next Labour government will introduce new national compulsory standards on vetting, checks and misconduct. We urgently need action to raise standards and restore confidence in the vital work the police do.”
Despite the pressure on Sir Mark to make swift and meaningful changes in the Met, a Home Office source insisted he had the backing of the Home Secretary, saying: “We are fully supporting the Commissioner in his work to reform the force.”
On Wednesday, Mrs Braverman will set out detailed plans to review ways in which police disciplinary procedures could be streamlined to make it easier for chief constables to sack corrupt and under-performing officers.
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