A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been jailed for raping a woman while she slept, in an attack described by prosecutors as a “heinous crime” and a betrayal of public trust.
PC Samuel McGregor, 33, was sentenced to four years and six months in prison at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesday (15 April), after being found guilty of rape following a trial earlier this year.
The attack took place at a residential address in London in May 2021. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said McGregor “deliberately targeted the victim when she was in a vulnerable situation” and that she woke up while he was raping her.
Lied to Investigators
McGregor initially denied having any sexual contact with the victim during his police interview, but later changed his story to claim it was consensual after learning that forensic evidence contradicted his statement.
He had been serving with the Met’s Central North Command Unit, covering Camden and Islington, at the time of the offence.
He was reported to police on 2 June 2021 and arrested the following day. He remained under investigation until March 2022, when he was suspended from duty after admitting he had lied during his police interview.
“No Place in Policing”
Following the guilty verdict in January, Chief Superintendent Andy Carter described McGregor’s actions as “abhorrent”.
“I am sickened by McGregor’s behaviour and the pain he has caused the victim. There is absolutely no place for people like him in the Met Police or any police force,” he said.
“We remain committed to rooting out such vile individuals from our ranks.”
The Met Police confirmed internal misconduct proceedings will now follow McGregor’s criminal conviction.
CPS: A Betrayal of Trust
Cassandra Bligh, from the CPS, said the case exposed a shocking abuse of power.
“It is shocking to know that someone we trusted to enforce the law has broken it and committed one of the most heinous crimes on a woman,” she said.
“Thanks to the bravery of the victim and strong forensic evidence, justice has been served.”
McGregor had denied the charge throughout the trial, but was found guilty by a jury earlier this year.
A Force Under Scrutiny
This case adds to ongoing concerns about police misconduct and the urgent need for reform within UK policing. The Metropolitan Police has faced sustained criticism in recent years for its handling of cases involving officer behaviour and violence against women.
A spokesperson for the Met said McGregor’s conviction reflects the force’s continued commitment to identifying and removing officers who abuse their position.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, support is available. Contact Rape Crisis England & Wales at 0808 802 9999 or visit rapecrisis.org.uk.
