Former Merton Met officer admits raping 12 women

A Met officer who used to work in Merton has pleaded guilty to nearly 50 sexual offences, including raping 12 women.

David Carrick, 48, pleaded guilty to 49 offences, including 24 rapes, across two decades. He was arrested by the Hertfordshire Constabulary in October 2021, following a report of rape.

The Met apologised for failing to spot the “pattern of abusive behaviour” by Carrick, as it was revealed that he had come to the attention of police over nine incidents, including rape allegations, between 2000 and 2021.

Carrick, who is from Stevenage, joined the Met in 2001. His offences spanned 2003 to 2020 and most took place in Hertfordshire, where he lived.

He initially worked as a response officer in Merton and in 2009 he transferred to what is now the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, where he remained until his arrest and suspension in October 2021.

In 2002 and 2004, while an office in Merton, Carrick was accused of harassment and assault against a former partner. He was not arrested and no further action was taken in relation to the criminal investigation.

Carrick was also involved in a domestic incident. No criminal allegations were made and he was not arrested.

At Southwark Crown Court today he entered guilty pleas to false imprisonment, indecent assault and four counts of rape.

At a hearing at the Old Bailey on Tuesday he pleaded guilty to 43 offences including 20 counts of rape, and further counts of controlling and coercive behaviour and sexual assault.

Assistant Commissioner Barbara Gray, the Met’s lead for Professionalism, said: “On behalf of the Metropolitan Police, I want to apologise to the women who have suffered at the hands of David Carrick.

“I commend their outstanding bravery in coming forward and reporting the horrific crimes they were victims of.

“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.

“He used the fact he was a police officer to control and coerce his victims. We know they felt unable to come forward sooner because he told them they would not be believed.

“We should have spotted his pattern of abusive behaviour, and because we didn’t, we missed opportunities to remove him from the organisation.

“We are truly sorry that Carrick was able to continue to use his role as a police officer to prolong the suffering of his victims.

Carrick was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at a hearing to take place at Southwark Crown Court beginning on Monday, February 6.

Pictured top: David Carrick custody photo and courtroom drawing (Picture: Hertfordshire Constabulary and PA)