Ex-Met officer trained in victim support faces rape trial

Mark Tyrrell, 57, a former Metropolitan Police officer, is on trial at Southwark Crown Court facing accusations of rape and sexual assault. The prosecution alleges that over approximately two years, while he was still serving with the force, Tyrrell committed multiple offences against a woman. He denies two counts of rape, 11 counts of sexual assault, and four counts of assault by penetration.

Prosecutor Catherine Farrelly KC informed the jury that Tyrrell had received training in Sexual Offences Investigation Techniques. The court heard that concerns about Tyrrell's conduct were first brought to light when officers visited the woman's home for an unrelated reason and discovered Tyrrell concealed beside her bed. During his trial, it was stated that Tyrrell later contacted the woman by phone, asserting that no sexual activity had occurred.

Allegations of Rape and Deception

The prosecution's case includes allegations that Tyrrell raped the woman after she had repeatedly expressed her refusal. Farrelly stated that on one occasion, Tyrrell allegedly asked the woman if she realised that what he had done "was rape", and that he would report himself and face imprisonment. The woman claims that on several instances, she awoke to find Tyrrell penetrating her, despite having refused sexual intercourse the previous night. According to the prosecutor, when she questioned him about these events, Tyrrell shouted at her, questioning her awareness of her statements and the potential consequences for him.

Jurors were informed that the woman maintained a record of incidents involving Tyrrell, which included the alleged sexual assaults. In a police interview, she recounted feeling pressured by him and expressed a fear that her account would not be believed due to his status as a police officer. She was also concerned that the police might protect him because of his position.

Admissions and Further Charges

Tyrrell has admitted to misconduct in public office. He has also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of perverting the course of justice, specifically for persuading the woman to provide a false explanation to the police regarding his presence in her bedroom. The court heard that Tyrrell is also accused of perverting the course of justice by attempting to erase messages exchanged between them. In one such message, he reportedly apologised for "being a sex offender" and for causing her distress, and when she asked him not to say such things, he reportedly confirmed their truth.

Following his arrest, Tyrrell initially denied any sexual relationship with the woman. The trial at Southwark Crown Court is ongoing.