Serial rapist David Carrick systematically exploited his position as a Metropolitan Police officer to commit horrific sexual offences against women over three decades, a court has heard.
The former officer, known by colleagues as 'Bastard Dave', used the authority of his uniform and the power of carrying a firearm to create a terrifying 'power imbalance' with his victims, preventing them from reporting his crimes.
Three Decades of Abuse Behind the Badge
Carrick's disturbing pattern of behaviour began when he was a teenager, with one victim reporting abuse when she was just 12 years old. He joined the Met Police in 2001 and later transferred to the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in 2009, where he guarded government buildings.
Detective Superintendent Iain Moor of Hertfordshire Police stated that Carrick's position in the police force was fundamental to his ability to offend repeatedly. 'He hid behind his uniform to be able to do his offending,' Moor told PA news agency.
The detective described how Carrick would initially appear charming to victims he met through dating sites, using his status as a police officer to gain their trust before revealing his 'sinister side'.
Horrific Acts of Control and Degradation
Carrick's methods of control were particularly cruel. He would pay for dinner and drinks to make victims feel indebted to him before isolating them from friends and family.
Women were subjected to unimaginable cruelty, including being locked in a small cupboard under the stairs of his Stevenage home for hours without food. Victims were forced to clean his house naked, subjected to urination, and referred to as 'slave' or 'whore'.
Shilpa Shah, a senior crown prosecutor, noted that Carrick maintained a 'facade' of being charming and charismatic while committing 'really inhumane, degrading acts' behind closed doors.
Justice Finally Served After Systemic Failure
The scale of Carrick's crimes only emerged after his initial arrest in October 2021, when publicity surrounding the case encouraged more victims to come forward.
In February 2023, Carrick was jailed for life with a minimum term of 32 years after admitting sex offences against twelve women. He had denied molesting the 12-year-old girl and claimed sex with a former partner was consensual.
DSI Moor expressed profound regret that victims didn't feel able to report a police officer. 'People should be able to trust the police. They should be able to come forward and report offending,' he said.
The case has raised serious questions about how someone with such a long history of abusive behaviour could remain in the police force for so long without detection.
