LONDON (AP) — A London police officer admitted Monday to raping and sexually assaulting 12 women over 17 years.
David Carrick, 48, pleaded guilty to 20 counts of rape and 49 counts, including charges including assault, attempted rape and wrongful imprisonment. Joining the London Metropolitan Police in 2001, the officer was responsible for parliamentary and diplomatic protection orders.
After revealing nine allegations of rape and other crimes against Carrick between 2000 and 2021, the police department apologized to the victims. After being arrested, he was suspended from the police force.
Deputy Chief of Staff Barbara Gray said the incident was “devastating” and apologized for not removing Carrick from the military earlier.
“He had a devastating impact on the trust and confidence of women and girls we strive to earn.
“He used the fact that he was a police officer to control and coerce his victims,” she added. “We should have found a pattern of his abusive behavior, but we didn’t, so we missed the opportunity to remove him from the organization.”
Police said Carrick had met several women through online dating sites and social gatherings and used his status as a police officer to gain their trust.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the revelations were “utterly disgusting and appalling”.
“Londoners will rightfully be shocked that this man has been able to serve for so long in the Metropolitan Police Service,” he said. A serious question must be answered.