Independent inquiry to examine David Carrick’s offending

THE Home Secretary said David Carrick’s crimes were a “scar on our police” as she expanded the terms of an inquiry into high-profile offences committed by Metropolitan Police officers.

Former lord advocate Lady Elish Angiolini is leading an independent inquiry, originally set up in November 2021, to look at events preceding the murder of Sarah Everard by Wayne Couzens, but since expanded to include Carrick’s offences.

Carrick, one of the country’s worst sex offenders, was jailed for life on Tuesday having previously pleaded guilty to 49 charges, including 24 counts of rape, over 17 years.

Suella Braverman said it was “only right” that the former Met Pc serve 30 years behind bars, as she paid tribute to the bravery of his victims.

She said: “It is vital we uncover how he was able to wear the uniform for so long, and I welcome the Angiolini Inquiry’s investigation into David Carrick’s criminal behaviour and the decision-making around his vetting.

“There is no place in our police for such heinous and predatory behaviour, and I look forward to receiving Lady Elish’s findings.”

The inquiry will interview witnesses and analyse documents from the Met, Hertfordshire Constabulary and the Ministry of Defence to establish a timeline of Carrick’s criminal behaviour and misconduct “as well as any other relevant police investigations and/or incidents”.

It will also look at potential issues to do with his vetting and what his colleagues knew about his behaviour towards women before making recommendations to the Home Secretary “as soon as practicable”.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he supported “the renewed action being taken by the Commissioner to review past misconduct cases”.