For 20 years, David Carrick, a serial rapist and violent sexual predator, was able to hide in plain sight. All the while, he wore a police uniform and carried a gun. His victims were terrified to come forward, believing that no one would believe them over an officer of the law.
However, one brave woman, who had encountered him through a dating app, decided to report him to the police and his string of horrific crimes was finally exposed. Carrick has since admitted to 49 charges relating to 12 victims, leaving the Metropolitan Police – the force he served in – apologising for failing to root out a criminal in uniform.
It has since come to light that the Met had been made aware of Carrick nine times over the years but failed to take any action. Assistant Commissioner Barbara Gray has apologised for the failings which “may have prolonged” the suffering of his victims.
The earliest known victim was attacked by Carrick in 2003 and the woman described being falsely imprisoned, raped and threatened with an imitation firearm. From then on, Carrick went on to rape, sexually assault and abuse a series of women, calling them his “prostitutes”, subjecting them to degrading acts and controlling their lives.