Met police officer used position to abuse and rape multiple women across 17 years

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. David Carrick, 48, today admitted charges spanning almost 20 years and involving at least 13 victims, in what the Crown Prosecution Service has called one of the most “traumatic and harrowing” sexual offence cases. Carrick, who joined the Metropolitan Police force in 2003, told victims he was a police officer when they met and that they were “safe with him.” He told one of his victims that he was a Metropolitan Police firearms officer nicknamed “Bastard Dave,” before showing her his warrant card and boasting of meeting famous people, including former prime minister Boris Johnson. open image in gallery David Carrick admitted to more than 20 counts fo rape He added: “It didn’t matter to Carrick who the victim was – a new girlfriend, a long-term partner, his cleaner, a schoolfriend or a stranger – he would still abuse them.” Senior crown prosecutor, Shilpa Shah, who was the first lawyer involved in the case, said piecing the investigation together had been challenging. We will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who corrupt our integrity.” open image in gallery David Carrick pleaded guilty to more than 20 counts of rape In a statement, Andrea Simon, director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said Carrick’s case shows an “institution in crisis.” “That Carrick’s horrific pattern of egregious behaviour was known to the Met, and they failed to take appropriate action, demonstrates just how broken the systems which are supposed to keep the public safe from perpetrators of rape and abuse are,” Ms Simon said.