Police officer exposed as serial rapist sentenced to life imprisonment in London

A London police officer who hid behind his badge and “exploited women in an outrageous manner” has been sentenced to life in prison for sexually abusing a dozen women over nearly two decades.

Former Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick, 48, admitted being a serial rapist last month, in what prosecutors described as one of the most shocking cases involving a serving police officer.

Carrick pleaded guilty to 49 counts, including 24 counts of rape, as well as charges including assault, attempted rape and false imprisonment in connection with the attacks, which occurred over a period of 17 years. The officer, who joined the police in 2001, previously served in the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command.

On Tuesday, Judge Bobbie Cheema-Grubb sentenced Carrick to life imprisonment and ordered him to spend at least 30 years behind bars.

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During the sentencing hearing, Cheema-Grubb said the former police officer had “egregiously exploited the position of women” behind the appearance of decency and trustworthiness in public.

“You brazenly raped and sexually assaulted a number of women, some in very brutal ways, and you behaved as if you were untouchable. You were brave and at times relentless, trusting that no victim would overcome their shame and fear to report you,” the judge told Carrick.

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“Unspeakably evil”

Last month, London police publicly apologised to the victims after information about the rapes emerged.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised again on Tuesday.

“David Carrick’s crimes were evil beyond words. He abused his position as a police officer in the most disgusting way,” Rowley said in a statement. “I would like to reiterate my apologies on behalf of the Met. We are truly sorry.”

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Carrick’s case was the latest in a series of scandals undermining public confidence in the Metropolitan Police, Britain’s largest police force. Authorities have put intense pressure on the force to reform its culture and standards following a series of allegations of misogyny and racism within its ranks.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman, a British lawyer and politician, called Carrick’s crimes “a scar on our police force.” His conduct and decision-making processes surrounding his review are currently under investigation, Braverman said.

Contributor: The Associated Press

Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking news for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter. @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: London cop and serial rapist David Carrick sentenced to life in prison