Allegations of Misconduct in David Carrick Investigation

A misconduct hearing is currently underway regarding Detective Sergeant Ray Mackennon of the Metropolitan Police, who is accused of failing to properly oversee the investigation into David Carrick, a former police officer and one of the UK's most notorious sex offenders. Carrick, 51, is serving 37 life sentences for raping and assaulting over a dozen women. The allegations against Mackennon include claims of "unconscious bias" related to the race and sex of the victim, referred to as Female E, who reported multiple rapes during her five-month relationship with Carrick.

The Independent

The tribunal has heard that Mackennon was responsible for managing Officer A, who was assigned to investigate Female E's allegations in August 2021. It is alleged that Mackennon did not ensure a thorough investigation, failing to direct Officer A to contact witnesses or adequately examine derogatory messages between Carrick and Female E's partner. Furthermore, Mackennon reportedly expressed skepticism about Female E's credibility, citing perceived inconsistencies and referencing her immigration status during the investigation.

The Independent

The misconduct hearing revealed significant procedural shortcomings in the investigation. The panel noted that the investigation relied on a brief seven-sentence summary of Carrick's police interview, while the full 49-page transcript was not obtained. Kevin Saunders, representing the appropriate authority, emphasized the importance of a detailed analysis of credibility in rape cases, arguing that the streamlined process used to dismiss Female E's allegations was fundamentally flawed.

The Independent

The accusations against Mackennon, if proven, could be classified as gross misconduct, potentially leading to his dismissal from the Metropolitan Police. Saunders characterized Mackennon's actions as a "grave dereliction of duty," asserting that the failure to pursue the investigation did not absolve the need for a conduct inquiry, especially given the serious nature of the allegations against Carrick.

The Independent

Critics have raised concerns about the handling of the investigation, particularly regarding the treatment of Female E as a vulnerable complainant. The panel was informed that Female E expressed a desire to halt the investigation due to feeling "mentally strong enough," which was not interpreted as a retraction of her allegations. This has led to discussions about the systemic issues within the police force regarding the treatment of sexual assault victims.

The Independent

The misconduct hearing is ongoing, with further testimonies expected. The outcome could have significant ramifications for the Metropolitan Police and its protocols regarding the investigation of sexual offenses, particularly in cases involving vulnerable individuals.

The Independent

• “The criminal investigation did not continue due to an unwillingness on the part of a vulnerable complainant but that did not in itself arise or does not in itself give rise to determination of a conduct investigation and I submit that that submission is uncontroversial.” — Kevin Saunders

The Independent