Metropolitan police officer charged with rape

A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been charged with rape. 46-year-old PC David Carrick, who is based within the Met’s Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, was charged on Sunday by Hertfordshire Constabulary.

He was arrested on Saturday and suspended on the same day by the Metropolitan Police.

The offence is reported to have occurred on September 4 last year in St Albans, when Carrick was off duty. A referral has been made by the Met Police to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Commissioner Cressida Dick said: “I am deeply concerned to hear the news today that an officer from the Met’s Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command has been arrested and now charged with this serious offence. I fully recognise the public will be very concerned too.” “Criminal proceedings must now take their course so I am unable to comment any further at this stage.”

Carrick will appear virtually at Hatfield Remand Court on Monday.

Malcom McHaffie, the chief crown prosecutor of CPS Thames and Chiltern, said: “The CPS has today authorised Hertfordshire Constabulary to charge serving Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick, 46, with one count of rape following an alleged attack on a woman on the night of 4 September 2020.

“The defendant’s first court appearance will take place via video link at 10am tomorrow at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has a right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”