Met Police Volunteer Receives 24-Year Sentence for Heinous Child Sex Crimes
A former volunteer with the Metropolitan Police has been handed a substantial prison term for the rape and sexual abuse of a child, alongside the assault of another victim. James Bubb, aged 28, was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court on Friday to a total of 32 years, comprising 24 years of imprisonment followed by an additional eight years on extended licence.
Grooming and Assault of Young Victim
Bubb groomed one of his victims online before sexually assaulting her when she was merely 12 years old. The court heard that he met the girl on the chat roulette platform Omegle in 2018, with their first in-person encounter occurring at a Christian festival several months later. During the trial, jurors learned that Bubb sexually assaulted the child in public just before her 13th birthday, and later choked and punched her while raping and abusing her in her early teenage years.
The victim recounted that Bubb appeared "paranoid" when they were together in public, and she felt "hidden" despite her festival wristband being visibly displayed. She also reported that he frequently boasted about the powers he held as a special constable with the Met Police, exploiting his position of trust.
Additional Conviction for Rape
In addition to the crimes against the child, Bubb was convicted of raping a woman he met online while posing as a 16-year-old girl. This second victim was 18 years old when their relationship began, which spanned from January 2018 to February 2023. The defendant, who identified as a man at the time of the offences but now identifies as a woman named Gwyn Samuels, was found guilty of multiple charges related to both victims.
Specifically, Bubb was convicted of 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, and one count of assault by penetration concerning the first victim. He was also found guilty of one count of rape against the second victim, though he was acquitted of one rape charge and one count of sexual activity with a child related to the first complainant.
Judge's Stern Remarks and Sentencing
Judge Jonathan Cooper delivered a powerful statement during sentencing, emphasizing that Bubb "abused the most intimate trust of your victims" in what he described as "a campaign of abuse against each that was intended to break their will entirely." The judge clarified that the significant risk Bubb poses is based on his criminal actions, not his transgender status, stating, "The key point is that you are a very significant risk to women. This is not predicated on your trans status, but on your criminal status."
Bubb, who resides in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, has been held in the male prison estate and will remain there. All offences occurred between January 1, 2018, and April 2, 2024. In addition to the prison sentence, he was subjected to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order, prohibiting any contact with young women.
CPS Commentary on the Case
Paul Robson, a lawyer from the Crown Prosecution Service, commented on the case, noting, "The defendant targeted these victims and exploited their vulnerability and trust. When the victims asked for the abuse to stop, they were ignored." He highlighted that Bubb deliberately sought positions of trust within the community to gain access to his victims, and the profound impact of his actions on them. Robson added, "As this case shows, we will prosecute those who exploit and harm others, and hope this serves as a warning that justice will come to those who offend in this way."
The sentencing underscores the severity of the crimes and the commitment of the justice system to hold offenders accountable, particularly those who abuse positions of authority to prey on the vulnerable.
