Met officer to face misconduct proceedings after conviction for rape

A Metropolitan Police officer will face an accelerated misconduct hearing after being convicted of rape.

PC Rupert Edwards, attached to South West Command Unit, was found guilty of the offence on Friday, 22 May at Southwark Crown Court.

His conviction follows a significant step where the Met and prosecutors worked jointly to bring evidence from two previous cases - despite PC Edwards’ acquittal – before the court to demonstrate his insidious pattern of behaviour.

PC Edwards, who is suspended from duty, was found guilty of raping a woman in January 2018 while off-duty. The offence was reported to police in October 2023.

Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles, in charge of policing for south west London, said: “This was a despicable offence and I have huge admiration and gratitude for the victim for having the courage to come forward and report PC Edwards.

“Detectives in this case carried out a diligent investigation, ensuring PC Edwards was charged at the earliest opportunity and that the most compelling evidence was brought before the courts.

“It was a bold step to use evidence from his previous trial to support this latest prosecution and demonstrates our commitment to supporting victims of police perpetrated abuse.

“Dangerous offenders of all types who seek to harm women and girls will be relentlessly pursued and justice will be served.

“My message to anyone who may have experienced something that didn’t feel right is that you can and should come forward. You will be listened to, and we will do everything we can to support you.”

In October 2023, a woman contacted police to report she had been raped by PC Edwards on 1 January 2018, following a New Year’s Eve party. An investigation began and Edwards was arrested on 29 April 2024. Following further enquiries, he was charged with rape on 12 March 2025.

During the trial, the court heard evidence from two previous cases involving PC Edwards relating to allegations of rape on two separate women in August and September 2022.

While juries in those cases returned not guilty verdicts, prosecutors were able to present elements of that evidence – including recorded interviews and court cross-examination of the victims - as part of the prosecution case in this trial. Barristers also provided the jury with relevant context from those previous cases to support their understanding of the evidence. This approach, agreed by the court, revealed concerning similarities in Edwards’ behaviour and played a key role in securing his conviction.

The victim-survivor in this case, alongside those involved in the previous cases, have been supported by dedicated specialist officers.

Misconduct matters were paused to avoid impacting the criminal proceedings into this latest charge of rape.

PC Edwards will now face an accelerated misconduct hearing, where he will be put forward for dismissal.

Sentencing is due to take place on Friday, 10 July.

The Met has worked relentlessly and at an unprecedented pace over the last three-and-a-half years to raise professional standards across the organisation, with more than 1,500 officers exited who did not meet those standards.

Alongside our extensive reactive investigations, we have invested in 200 more professionalism officers who are specifically and proactively focused on uncovering and dealing with wrongdoing.