Rapist cop David Carrick handed 36 life sentences as judge describes 'trail of devastation' suffered by his 12 victims
7 February 2023, 12:33 | Updated: 7 February 2023, 15:05
Former Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick was handed 36 life sentences after admitting a 17-year reign of terror against a dozen women.
Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said that under the influence of alcohol Carrick "turned into a monster”.
She said rapist Carrick caused "broad devastation", and that the ex-cop posed "a high risk of causing physical and sexual harm to the public".
Pleading guilty to 85 offences against dozens of women over a 17-year period, he is now regarded as one of the UK's most prolific sex offenders. Carrick will serve a minimum 30 years in prison.
The Metropolitan Police have been "too weak" in rooting out rogue officers, chief commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has said.
He said: "Most of our people are great people but we have been too weak in getting rid of the ones who aren't. I know my words today aren't enough."
In a statement made outside New Scotland Yard, Sir Mark said Carrick "should not have been a police officer" and apologised to Carrick's victims.
He said: "We in policing have failed. He should not have been a police officer. The treatment that he subjected his victims to was truly degrading and inhumane.
"There were many signs... it is upsetting to be stood here talking about this and I apologise again to the victims and indeed I apologise to the women of London, many of whom will be troubled and their trust in policing will be shaken."
The court heard how Carrick was removed from Belmarsh Prison and air lifted to hospital in 2022 after attempting to take his own life while in custody.
His crimes spanned 2003 and 2020, a period throughout which he was a serving police officer. Carrick was sacked by the Met Police in January for gross misconduct.
Appearing at Southwark Crown Court on the second day of the two-day hearing, Justice Cheema-Grubb also described how the 48-year-old and those like him stood in the way of a “revolution of womens’ dignity".
Ian Moore from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire's major crimes unit said outside court after the sentencing: "I'm truly humbled by the bravery of the victims. Each one was willing to relive their horrendous ordeal and face Carrick in court.
"I would urge anyone who thinks they've been a victim of David Carrick to come forward. We still want to hear from you, and we will support you.
"As a serving police officer David Carrick has brought shame on the profession and was not fit to wear the uniform."
A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson added: "We cannot undo the pain and anguish that [Carrick's victims] endured. But I hope they can take this first step in rebuilding their lives knowing he can't harm them or any other woman.
"We are determined to see justice done for more victims of violence against women and girls."
After his suicide attempt Carrick was transferred to Rampton psychiatric hospital.
During sentencing, the judge noted how "certain themes emerged" as victims recounted their experiences at the hands of Carrick.
Describing the repeated use of his position as a police officer to gain trust and power over victims, the use of police issue weapons to assert force and the regular use of coercive control were also highlighted.
The judge also noted the way in which Carrick "threatened to report a victim to immigration authorities".
Highlighting graphic instances of rape, sexual assault, physical assault and coercive control among Carrick's victims, the former officer spied on victims using a remote camera set up in his home.
The court heard how Carrick's abusive behaviour extended to sexual relationships with his fellow officers, in one instance, Carrick “slashed her work shirts gratuitously” in order to cause her “trouble at work”.
Describing how Carrick's parents "drank to excess", the judge described how the former officer himself abused alcohol.
The court had previously heard how Carrick was an opportunist who preyed on vulnerable women, urinating on and beating his victims during a string of sex attacks.
His increasingly violent behaviour also saw him lock two of his victims in a cupboard under his stairs.
Judge Cheema-Grubb listed a "catalogue of violent and brutal sexual offences" to the court, justifying the sentence handed down to Carrick.
Agreeing with the prosecution, the judge said the case did not merit a whole-life order, despite the "upmost seriousness" of the offences carried out.
With a whole-life order meaning Carrick would never be eligible for parole, the judge instead sentences him so that parole cannot be applied for until he has served at least 30 years in prison.
During the first day of sentencing, 11 victim statements were read, including an impact statement that read: "He was a police officer - what wasn't to trust?"
Another had said she had "encountered evil" in meeting Carrick.
A further victim added she has felt "lost" for the last 19 years.
Furious Nick Ferrari says rapist cop David Carrick is Met's 'biggest crisis yet'
