Ex-Met Police officer trained to support rape victims accused of rape
A former Metropolitan Police officer, Mark Tyrrell, is on trial for multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. The prosecution alleges he committed these crimes while serving in a role specifically trained to support victims of sexual violence.
Why it matters
The case highlights a severe breach of public trust and raises questions about internal police vetting and training protocols.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, The police watchdog began an investigation in April 2023 after the Met Police made a referral
A former Metropolitan Police officer accused of raping a woman was specially trained to deal with victims of sexual offences, a court has heard.
Mark Tyrrell, 57, denies two counts of rape, 11 of sexual assault and four of assault by penetration against the woman over about two years while he was serving with the force.
Opening his trial at Southwark Crown Court, prosecutor Catherine Farrelly KC said Tyrrell had been trained in Sexual Offences Investigation Techniques.
Jurors heard concerns were first raised when officers visited the woman's home on an unrelated matter and found Tyrrell hiding beside her bed.
He later phoned her and said nothing sexual had happened, the court was told.
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