A former Metropolitan Police officer, Cliff Mitchell, 24, of Putney, has been found guilty of ten counts of rape, three counts of rape of a child under 13, one count of kidnap, and breach of a non-molestation order. The convictions came after a trial at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, February 21. Mitchell was serving as a PC in Hounslow at the time several of the offences were committed.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy expressed profound dismay at Mitchell’s “abhorrent behaviour” and the anguish inflicted upon the victims. He commended the immense bravery exhibited by the victims in coming forward and providing evidence during the trial, which ultimately led to Mitchell’s conviction.
The court heard how Mitchell perpetrated a sustained campaign of abuse against his victims, even resorting to threatening one victim, asserting that she would not be believed due to his status as a police officer. This flagrant abuse of power compounded the severity of Mitchell’s crimes.
