Former Metropolitan Police Special Constable Receives 24-Year Sentence for Grooming and Rape
A former volunteer special constable with the Metropolitan Police has been handed a 24-year prison term for the systematic grooming and subsequent rape of a young girl and a woman, following an extensive trial at Aylesbury Crown Court. Gwyn Samuels, who previously identified as James Bubb, exploited online platforms to befriend both victims before committing the heinous crimes.
Details of the Offenses and Trial Proceedings
The court heard that Samuels, 28, first sexually assaulted a girl when she was just 12 years old in 2018, after initiating contact on the chat site Omegle. The defendant later met the victim in person at a Christian festival, where Samuels was serving as a volunteer steward. During this event, the girl was wearing a color-coded wristband indicating her age as a child, yet Samuels proceeded to sexually assault her shortly before her 13th birthday. The abuse escalated to rape and further sexual violence, with the victim reporting that Samuels choked and punched her, while boasting about the authority held as a Metropolitan Police officer.
In a separate case, Samuels befriended a second victim online while posing as a 16-year-old girl. The defendant was convicted of raping this woman during an on-off relationship that spanned from January 2018 to February 2023. Throughout the trial, the defendant was referred to by their biological sex, but during sentencing, Judge Jonathan Cooper acknowledged Samuels' transition and directed that they be known by their new identity.
Sentencing and Judicial Remarks
On Friday, Samuels was sentenced to a total of 32 years, comprising 24 years of imprisonment and an additional 8 years on extended licence. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Cooper emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating, "You abused the most intimate trust of each of your victims. In each case you systematically groomed your victim, first to befriend them, then to abuse them, finally to bend them to your will." The judge further noted that Samuels poses a significant risk to women, a assessment based on criminal behavior rather than trans status, and confirmed that the defendant will remain in the male prison estate while in custody.
Legal Outcomes and Investigative Efforts
Samuels was found guilty on multiple counts, including:
- One count of raping a child under 13
- One count of sexual activity with a child
- One count of assault of a child under 13 by penetration
- One count of assault by penetration
- One count of rape against the second victim
A lifelong sexual harm prevention order has been imposed, prohibiting Samuels from contacting young women. Paul Robson, a lawyer from the Crown Prosecution Service, commented on the case, saying, "The defendant had clearly sought to attain positions of trust within the community to gain the trust of the victims and the people around them. The offending has had a profound effect on the victims, and we are very grateful to them for their unwavering support throughout this prosecution."
Investigating officer DS Kirsty Pendle highlighted ongoing concerns, stating, "We keep an open mind as to whether Gwyn Samuels, formerly known as James Bubb, has committed any other offenses. If you have any information about this defendant, please contact us quoting Operation Aspect. You can visit a police station, call 101, or leave details via our website."
