Serial Sex Offender David Carrick's History of Violence: A Pattern of Behaviour Exposed

David Carrick, a former Metropolitan Police officer, had a history of violence towards women, with shocking documents revealing that he was the subject of five complaints from the public and came to the attention of the Met Police on nine occasions before being suspended. Prior to becoming a police officer in 2001, he was a suspect in two offences involving a former girlfriend, but he passed the vetting process and became a response officer in Merton. He has since pleaded guilty to 49 offences, including 24 counts of rape against 12 women.

Key Takeaways:

• Carrick had a history of violence towards women, including grabbing a partner by the neck and sending threatening messages.
• He came to the attention of the Met Police on nine occasions, but was not suspended from duties until October 2021.
• Prior to becoming a police officer, Carrick was a suspect in two offences involving a former girlfriend, including an alleged burglary and sending malicious communications.
• Carrick was the subject of five complaints from members of the public between 2002 and 2008, although none of these were of a sexual nature.
• Despite being required to be re-vetted after 10 years of service, Carrick was only vetted in 2001 and again in 2017, with the Met acknowledging that the requirements were not as robust.
• The Met acknowledged that Carrick's pattern of behaviour should have raised concerns and that he would not have received clearance following recent improvements to the vetting process.
• The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been referred to investigate several incidents involving Carrick, including his employment history and the vetting process.

Statistics:

• 49 offences pleaded guilty to, including 24 counts of rape against 12 women.
• 9 occasions when Carrick came to the attention of the Met Police before being suspended.
• 5 complaints made against Carrick by members of the public between 2002 and 2008.
• 2 allegations of rude behaviour investigated and dealt with, while 3 other complaints relating to incivility and use of force were received but later withdrawn or dismissed.
• 10 years between vetting processes, with the Met acknowledging that the requirements were not as robust.

Sources:

• "Met chief apologises for officer's abuse of trust with complaints not acted on" by Lucy Williamson (The Telegraph, January 16)
• "David Carrick: Former Metropolitan Police officer guilty of 49 sex offences against 12 women" by PA Media (The Telegraph, January 16)
• Press conference at Scotland Yard by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Millichap (January 16)