Former Met Police special constable used officer training to abuse woman and girl

A “despicable” former Metropolitan Police special constable has been found guilty of grooming and sexually assaulting a child and raping a woman in a case that sparks widespread concern about online safety, abuse of authority and institutional oversight.

James Bubb, 27, of Chesham, Buckinghamshire, who now identifies as a woman named Gwyn Samuels, used police officer training and his connection with the force to exert control and carry out his abuse.

He identified as male at the time of the offences and was referred to by his biological sex throughout the trial.

The offences, which took place between January 2018 and April 2024, included sexual assault of a child he had groomed online and the rape of a young woman during the course of their on-off relationship.

Grooming, sexual abuse and abuse of power

Amersham Law Courts heard Bubb first contacted a 12-year-old girl in 2018 via the chat platform Omegle. Their interactions eventually led to an in-person meeting at a Christian festival, where Bubb was volunteering as a steward. The victim was clearly marked as a child by a colour-coded wristband.

According to prosecutors, Bubb sexually assaulted the girl in public shortly before her 13th birthday. As the assault occurred, a dog walker walked past, forcing Bubb to quickly pull up his trousers. The girl later reported that Bubb often bragged about his position with the Metropolitan Police during their conversations.

In a separate incident, Bubb was also found guilty of raping a woman who had just turned 18 when they met. The rape happened while they were in an on-off relationship between January 2018 and February 2023. The victim described to the court how Bubb would use “police training techniques” on her, which gave him “control” and “power”, and she stated it was not consensual.

Immediate suspension and institutional reactions

Bubb joined the Met Police as a volunteer special constable in September 2020. He was immediately suspended following his arrest by Thames Valley Police on 30 April 2024. No previous complaints had been recorded against him during his time in the role.

The ex-special constable was also employed as a theatre technician at the prestigious Harrow School. He was terminated from his position following notification from police, the school said.

Commander Simon Stancombe, from the Met’s anti-corruption and abuse command, condemned Bubb’s actions as “completely despicable”, while Det Con Kirsty Pendle, who led the investigation for Thames Valley Police, labelled him a “dangerous, predatory offender”.

A disturbing breach of trust

Investigators believe Bubb used his role in law enforcement to further his predatory actions. Det Sgt Catriona Cameron said Bubb’s use of officer training techniques on victims “absolutely” constituted a breach of trust, adding that he used his police affiliation to exert control and carry out his offences.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) issued a statement in response to the verdict, saying: “It is now vital that both the victims in this disturbing case receive all the support they need. Bubb should have been relied on to keep children safe.”

The NSPCC also renewed calls for tech companies to take more responsibility for the safety of young users online, highlighting how platforms like Omegle can become hunting grounds for predators.

What happens next

Bubb is due to be sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court on 19 December. In the meantime, the Metropolitan Police confirmed it is proceeding with his formal dismissal from the force.

This case once again highlights how critical it is to safeguard vulnerable people, hold authority figures to the highest standards, and ensure online spaces are made safer for children. It also serves as a painful reminder of the bravery it takes for survivors to come forward and the importance of listening when they do.

If you have been a victim of grooming or sexual abuse, you have legal options and support available to you. For a confidential and free conversation to talk about your rights, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our specialist abuse team at BBK using the details below.