Downing Street’s response as Met Police’s David Carrick pleads guilty

The case was described by Downing Street as “appalling” and said the high-profile incident had “shaken” public confidence.

The Met has apologized to victims when it emerged Carrick had come to police attention over nine incidents between 2000 and 2021, including allegations of rape, domestic violence and molestation.

Karrick48, joined the Met in 2001 and later became an armed officer in the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in 2009.

⚖️ A Metropolitan Police officer who humiliated, raped and sexually assaulted 12 women today admitted his crimes.

We hope the outcome of this case will encourage other women who may be in a similar position to come forward, as we know we will do everything we can to bring them justice.

— Crown Prosecutors (@CPSUK) January 16, 2023

He faced no criminal penalties or misconduct findings and was only suspended after he was arrested on a second rape charge in October 2021.

On Monday he appeared at Southwark Crown Court to plead guilty to four counts of rape, false imprisonment and indecent assault in connection with a 40-year-old woman in 2003.

Downing St said police forces must “root out” such officers and acknowledged that public confidence had been damaged by the case.

Downing Street testimony as Met police officer pleads guilty to sex offences

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “This is an appalling case and the Prime Minister’s thoughts are with all his victims.

“We have made it clear that there is no place in our police forces for officers who fall so far short of acceptable standards of behavior and who are unable to wear the uniform.

“Police forces must root out these officers to restore public confidence, which has been shaken by high-profile events like this.

“The Home Office is pushing for improvements and recently announced a review of police firings to ensure the system is fair and effective in removing officers unfit for duty.”

Home Secretary Suella Braverman is examining ways to improve the firing process for civil servants.

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper regretted the case was evidence of “appalling failures” in police screening procedures.

She said: “This is a truly shocking and appalling case involving the most devastating rape, sex and violent crimes committed by an on duty police officer against women.

“It is a tribute to the bravery of his victims that this man has now been caught.

“But it is further evidence of appalling failures in the police vetting and misconduct processes, which have still not been addressed by the government, that he was ever able to serve as a police officer.

“Anyone who has called for change will feel badly let down today.”

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the facts of the case were “disturbing”.

“Officers like David Carrick need to be identified and rooted out quickly, with an investment in quality surveillance and training to ensure the small number of officers abusing their position are removed immediately.”