DAVID CARRICK'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN STEVENAGE AND LONDON REVEALED
| Red Rose Database
Stevenage Rapist
In a case that has shocked the nation, David Carrick, a former police officer from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, is set to face sentencing next month after a lengthy and disturbing campaign of sexual abuse and violence spanning over 17 years. The Metropolitan Police have described Carrick’s actions as 'unprecedented' within the force, highlighting the severity and scale of his misconduct.
Carrick, who earned the nickname ‘Bastard Dave’ among those aware of his crimes, has been identified as one of the most notorious sex offenders in recent history. It has been revealed that he assaulted a total of 12 women on 24 separate occasions, with his criminal activities dating back to 2003 and continuing until 2020. The 48-year-old former officer admitted to committing 49 offences over this period, which include rape, assault, and other forms of sexual violence.
Utilizing his position within the police force, Carrick exploited the trust placed in him by his victims. He targeted vulnerable women through dating platforms such as Tinder and Badoo, often meeting them at local bars in Stevenage and other areas. During these encounters, he would flash his warrant card and boast about his connections, claiming to have met high-profile figures, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as part of his work.
Prosecutors have described Carrick as a manipulative and charismatic individual who presented himself as ‘fun-loving’ and ‘charming,’ but was in reality very calculating and self-assured—almost to the point of arrogance. Senior Crown Prosecutor Shilpa Shah explained that during police interviews, Carrick behaved as if he was merely having a casual conversation, insisting that his victims had consented to his actions. She emphasized the harrowing nature of the case, noting that many victims were subjected to relentless manipulation, financial isolation, and repeated humiliation.
Carrick’s abuse extended beyond sexual violence. He verbally assaulted his victims, calling them ‘disgusting,’ ‘fat,’ and ‘lazy,’ and subjected some to extreme acts of cruelty. Reports indicate that he ordered women to stay in bed all day so he could have sex with them at night. Others were confined in an under-stairs cupboard, likened to a dog crate, for hours without food or water, and some were forced to clean his house while naked. His depravity was further demonstrated by incidents where he urinated over his victims and referred to them as his ‘slave.’
His background includes service in the British Army from 1996 to 1997. He joined the Metropolitan Police in August 2001 and was assigned as a response officer in Merton, southwest London. Despite being under suspicion for two separate offences involving malicious communications and burglary against a former partner—allegations linked to his refusal to accept the end of a relationship—Carrick was not arrested at the time, nor was any further action taken. During his probation period, he faced accusations of harassment and assault against another ex-partner, but again, no disciplinary measures were implemented.
Concerns about Carrick’s conduct persisted, but the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), revealed that two unnamed officers involved in handling these incidents could have committed misconduct. However, both officers had since retired and could not be sanctioned. It was also noted that Carrick should have undergone vetting in 2011 after completing ten years of service, but this process was delayed until 2017.
Further investigations uncovered that Carrick was reported over nine incidents, including rape, between 2001 and 2021. Several of these reports were not escalated to senior officers or the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards. In 2019, Hertfordshire Police received a report of an assault and criminal damage involving Carrick and a woman during an argument, where he allegedly grabbed her by the neck. Due to a lack of support from the involved parties, no further action was taken at that time. However, the incident was referred to the Directorate of Professional Standards, and Carrick was given a formal warning about reporting off-duty incidents to his superiors.
In July 2021, Hertfordshire Police arrested Carrick after a woman accused him of rape. Despite the arrest, the woman later withdrew her complaint, and no further action was taken at that time. Carrick was placed on restricted duties, but the restrictions were eventually lifted, and he never returned to full operational duties. It was only in October 2021 that a new investigation was launched after a 50-year-old woman reported being raped by him. This led to his arrest, suspension from the Metropolitan Police, and subsequent charges.
Following his court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 4, 2021, Carrick was remanded in custody. The publicity surrounding his case prompted 12 additional women to come forward with allegations. His salary was finally ceased on December 16, 2022, after he pleaded guilty to 43 offences at the Old Bailey. Just one month later, he pleaded guilty to an additional six offences at Southwark Crown Court.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has publicly demanded an explanation for how Carrick was able to evade prosecution for nearly two decades, especially given the numerous missed opportunities for intervention. The Metropolitan Police have acknowledged that delays in re-vetting officers were a significant issue and have stated that their vetting procedures are now much more rigorous.
Assistant Commissioner Barbara Gray issued a statement expressing regret over the damage caused by Carrick’s actions. She emphasized that his conduct has severely undermined public trust and confidence, particularly among women and girls. Gray admitted that the police should have identified his pattern of abusive behavior earlier and expressed remorse for the failure to remove him from the force sooner.
Finally, a misconduct hearing regarding Carrick’s actions is scheduled to take place tomorrow in his absence, ahead of his sentencing on February 6. The case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous vetting and oversight within law enforcement agencies.
Carrick, who earned the nickname ‘Bastard Dave’ among those aware of his crimes, has been identified as one of the most notorious sex offenders in recent history. It has been revealed that he assaulted a total of 12 women on 24 separate occasions, with his criminal activities dating back to 2003 and continuing until 2020. The 48-year-old former officer admitted to committing 49 offences over this period, which include rape, assault, and other forms of sexual violence.
Utilizing his position within the police force, Carrick exploited the trust placed in him by his victims. He targeted vulnerable women through dating platforms such as Tinder and Badoo, often meeting them at local bars in Stevenage and other areas. During these encounters, he would flash his warrant card and boast about his connections, claiming to have met high-profile figures, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as part of his work.
Prosecutors have described Carrick as a manipulative and charismatic individual who presented himself as ‘fun-loving’ and ‘charming,’ but was in reality very calculating and self-assured—almost to the point of arrogance. Senior Crown Prosecutor Shilpa Shah explained that during police interviews, Carrick behaved as if he was merely having a casual conversation, insisting that his victims had consented to his actions. She emphasized the harrowing nature of the case, noting that many victims were subjected to relentless manipulation, financial isolation, and repeated humiliation.
Carrick’s abuse extended beyond sexual violence. He verbally assaulted his victims, calling them ‘disgusting,’ ‘fat,’ and ‘lazy,’ and subjected some to extreme acts of cruelty. Reports indicate that he ordered women to stay in bed all day so he could have sex with them at night. Others were confined in an under-stairs cupboard, likened to a dog crate, for hours without food or water, and some were forced to clean his house while naked. His depravity was further demonstrated by incidents where he urinated over his victims and referred to them as his ‘slave.’
His background includes service in the British Army from 1996 to 1997. He joined the Metropolitan Police in August 2001 and was assigned as a response officer in Merton, southwest London. Despite being under suspicion for two separate offences involving malicious communications and burglary against a former partner—allegations linked to his refusal to accept the end of a relationship—Carrick was not arrested at the time, nor was any further action taken. During his probation period, he faced accusations of harassment and assault against another ex-partner, but again, no disciplinary measures were implemented.
Concerns about Carrick’s conduct persisted, but the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), revealed that two unnamed officers involved in handling these incidents could have committed misconduct. However, both officers had since retired and could not be sanctioned. It was also noted that Carrick should have undergone vetting in 2011 after completing ten years of service, but this process was delayed until 2017.
Further investigations uncovered that Carrick was reported over nine incidents, including rape, between 2001 and 2021. Several of these reports were not escalated to senior officers or the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards. In 2019, Hertfordshire Police received a report of an assault and criminal damage involving Carrick and a woman during an argument, where he allegedly grabbed her by the neck. Due to a lack of support from the involved parties, no further action was taken at that time. However, the incident was referred to the Directorate of Professional Standards, and Carrick was given a formal warning about reporting off-duty incidents to his superiors.
In July 2021, Hertfordshire Police arrested Carrick after a woman accused him of rape. Despite the arrest, the woman later withdrew her complaint, and no further action was taken at that time. Carrick was placed on restricted duties, but the restrictions were eventually lifted, and he never returned to full operational duties. It was only in October 2021 that a new investigation was launched after a 50-year-old woman reported being raped by him. This led to his arrest, suspension from the Metropolitan Police, and subsequent charges.
Following his court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 4, 2021, Carrick was remanded in custody. The publicity surrounding his case prompted 12 additional women to come forward with allegations. His salary was finally ceased on December 16, 2022, after he pleaded guilty to 43 offences at the Old Bailey. Just one month later, he pleaded guilty to an additional six offences at Southwark Crown Court.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has publicly demanded an explanation for how Carrick was able to evade prosecution for nearly two decades, especially given the numerous missed opportunities for intervention. The Metropolitan Police have acknowledged that delays in re-vetting officers were a significant issue and have stated that their vetting procedures are now much more rigorous.
Assistant Commissioner Barbara Gray issued a statement expressing regret over the damage caused by Carrick’s actions. She emphasized that his conduct has severely undermined public trust and confidence, particularly among women and girls. Gray admitted that the police should have identified his pattern of abusive behavior earlier and expressed remorse for the failure to remove him from the force sooner.
Finally, a misconduct hearing regarding Carrick’s actions is scheduled to take place tomorrow in his absence, ahead of his sentencing on February 6. The case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous vetting and oversight within law enforcement agencies.