A former Metropolitan Police officer who served in the same protection command as Wayne Couzens and David Carrick has been convicted of rape and sexual assault. Mark Tyrrell, 57, was found guilty by a jury at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday 27 October of one count of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of perverting the course of justice. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at the same court on 16 December.

How the case came to court

The woman at the centre of the case cannot be identified for legal reasons. The court heard that Tyrrell first met her while carrying out a welfare check, then contacted her without any proper policing purpose. Prosecutors said he had sex with her after she repeatedly said no, and alleged that when she resisted his advances, he simply chose to take what he wanted. Tyrrell told the court the contact was always consensual and insisted there was never any forcefulness to it. Jurors rejected his account on the main charges but found him not guilty on 13 other charges, including a further rape count.

What happens next

The case began in April 2023, when the woman reported that she had been in a relationship with Tyrrell for a number of years during which he had assaulted her on several occasions. He was arrested, suspended from duty and resigned in September 2023. He had already pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office.

Chief Superintendent Sara Leach said Tyrrell had abused his position of trust, adding that this kind of conduct is abhorrent but even more so when it is carried out by a serving officer. The Met said it will now consider seeking pension forfeiture.

Sources: Metropolitan Police and The Guardian (via EuropeSays republication).