Met Police officer raped and sexually assaulted child after chatting online

James Bubb, who now identifies as a woman named Gwyn Samuels, was found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting a child after grooming her online

A volunteer Metropolitan Police officer, who now identifies as a woman, raped and sexually assaulted a child.

James Bubb, who now identifies as a woman named Gwyn Samuels, groomed one of two victims online before sexually assaulting her when she was just 12 years old.

Samuels was convicted of raping and sexually assaulting the girl following a trial last summer. The 28-year-old was also convicted of raping a woman whom the defendant met online whilst pretending to be a 16-year-old girl.

The former special constable received a total sentence of 32 years, comprising 24 years' imprisonment and a further eight years on extended licence, at Aylesbury Crown Court on Friday.

Sentencing the defendant, Judge Jonathan Cooper said: "You abused the most intimate trust of each of your victims. In each case you systematically groomed your victim, first to befriend them, then to abuse them, finally to bend them to your will.

"This was a campaign of abuse against each that was intended to break their will entirely."

Throughout the trial the defendant was referred to by their biological sex, but during the first sentencing hearing last week, the judge said that since they have transitioned, they should be known by their new identity of Gwyn Samuels. Jurors at the trial heard the officer sexually assaulted the girl in public shortly before her 13th birthday. The trial heard Samuels was violent towards the girl when the defendant raped and sexually abused her in her early teens – with the victim telling police the 28 year old choked and punched her.

Amersham Law Courts was told Samuels met their first victim on chat roulette site Omegle in 2018 before meeting face-to-face for the first time at a Christian festival several months later. The girl said the defendant appeared "paranoid" when they were with her and she was being "hidden" when they were in public together – telling police her festival colour-coded child wristband was clearly visible.

'Significant risk to women'

Samuels's first victim also said the defendant spoke "a lot about the powers he had" in their role with the Met as a special constable. The court was told the officer raped their second victim, a woman who had just turned 18 when she met the defendant, whilst they were in an on-off relationship between January 2018 and February 2023.

In relation to the first victim, Samuels was convicted of one count of raping a child under 13, one count of sexual activity with a child, one count of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, and one count of assault by penetration. The defendant, of Chesham, Buckinghamshire, was cleared of one count of rape and one count of sexual activity with a child in relation to that complainant, and convicted of one count of rape against the second victim.

All charges took place between January 1, 2018 and April 2, 2024. The judge stated that he understands the defendant, who has been held in a male prison whilst in custody, will continue to be detained there.

"The key point is that you are a very significant risk to women," Judge Cooper declared. "This is not predicated on your trans status, but on your criminal status."

Samuels was also made subject to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order, prohibiting them from contacting young women.

Addressing Samuels' victims personally after the defendant had left the courtroom, the judge expressed: "Over time, I hope the fact that you are survivors of abuse is ultimately more important to your future lives than the fact you were victims of it. I have to acknowledge that your ordeal at the hands of this defendant was made infinitely more challenging by your experiences of the criminal justice system.

"There were delays and frustrations at every turn. At various times you felt that power was in the hands of the defendant. Ultimately, power was in your own hands, and particularly in your own voices. The power of your evidence was heard and recognised by the jury in this case."

Paul Robson, a solicitor from the Crown Prosecution Service, commented: "The defendant targeted these victims and exploited their vulnerability and trust. When the victims asked for the abuse to stop, they were ignored.

"The defendant had clearly sought to attain positions of trust within the community to gain the trust of the victims and the people around them. The offending has had a profound effect on the victims, and we are very grateful to them for their unwavering support throughout this prosecution.

"As this case demonstrates, we will prosecute those who exploit and harm others, and hope this serves as a warning that justice will catch up with those who offend in this manner."

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Kirsty Pendle stated: "I want to pay tribute to the incredible courage and strength shown by both victims in coming forward and supporting this investigation through to court proceedings. Their bravery has been instrumental in bringing this offender to justice.

"We keep an open mind as to whether Gwyn Samuels, formerly known as James Bubb, has committed any other offences. If you have any information about this defendant, please contact us quoting Operation Aspect. You can visit a police station, call 101, or leave details via our website."