Met officer convicted of rape

A serving Met officer has been convicted of rape.

PC Tony Watts, attached to the North Area Command Unit, was found guilty and remanded in custody on Tuesday, 8 July following a trial at Croydon Crown Court.

The offence relates to an incident that happened between mid-January and early February in 2020 when PC Watts was off-duty.

The victim-survivor has been supported throughout the course of the investigation and trial by dedicated 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 is aware and a misconduct hearing will now follow as soon as possible.