Face of Met rape cop revealed

This is the face of the shaven-headed Metropolitan Police officer convicted of rape.

PC Tony Watts, 49, was found guilty at Croydon Crown Court of attacking a woman in what his colleagues branded "the vilest way".

And today a custody image of the 49-year-old bearded officer, who has served with the Met since January 2019, was released as force chiefs urged other victims of sex attacks by its officers to report it to police.

The conviction is a damning blow to the Met which remains scarred by rogue officers Wayne Couzens, the murderer of Sarah Everard, and serial rapist David Carrick.

Watts' offence relates to an incident that occurred between mid-January and early February 2020 when he was off-duty

Police said after making her original complaint the victim-survivor has been supported throughout the course of the lengthy investigation and subsequent ordeal of giving evidence at trial by a dedicated team of specialist officers.

Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who leads the North Area policing team, said: "PC Watts has shown a complete disregard for this victim-survivor and for his duty to protect women and girls - in the vilest way.

"We are going above and beyond at the Met to rid the force of those who corrupt our integrity, and it is quite right that PC Watts has been held accountable for his actions.

"It would have taken a huge amount of courage and strength to speak to police, the way this victim-survivor did, and I hope this conviction provides some closure.

"My message to any other victims who may have experienced a sexual encounter they felt wasn't right is that they can and should come forward, and we will do everything we can to support you."

PC Watts was arrested following the incident being reported in May 2022. He was bailed while further enquiries took place, before being charged with rape on Wednesday, 25 September 2024 and suspended from duty.

He will be sentenced on Monday, 11 August at the same court.

The Met's professional standards team has been made aware of the conviction and a misconduct hearing will now follow "as soon as possible" where the rapist will be formally sacked.

Earlier this year police chiefs were told they would be granted new powers to sack hundreds of "rogue" officers who fail background checks.