Tribunal hears claims that investigation failures into David Carrick were based on 'smear'

Allegations that a Metropolitan Police detective failed to conduct a thorough investigation into serial rapist David Carrick are being contested as "based on smear," according to a tribunal.

David Carrick, 51, a former armed officer from Hertforshire, is currently serving 37 life sentences for attacking over 12 women, and the oversight of his investigation is being scrutinized at a misconduct hearing in south London.

Detective Sergeant Ray Mackennon, who in 2021 worked as a detective constable within the Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS), is accused of failing to ensure Officer A successfully investigated allegations made by a woman referred to as Female E.

Female E reported that Carrick had raped her multiple times during their five-month relationship, prompting the investigation.

Kevin Saunders, representing the appropriate authority, claimed Det Sgt Mackennon's alleged failures were linked to "unconscious or conscious bias regarding Female E’s sex or race."

However, Fraser Coxhill, who represents Mackennon, argued the allegations were an attempt to "make an example" of Mackennon, branding them as "assumption, speculation and hyperbole, and smear."

Officer A, line-managed by Mackennon, reportedly did not contact Female E or other witnesses, nor were derogatory and misogynistic Facebook messages between Carrick and Female E’s partner included in the investigation.

Allegations from another woman, Female H, who shared "striking similarities" in her account against Carrick, were also allegedly unaddressed.

Mackennon denies questioning the credibility of Female E’s allegations during the investigation process.

Following Female E's withdrawal from the criminal investigation, a "streamlined investigation" focused on Carrick's misconduct proceedings was carried out.

The tribunal discussed how such decisions are common if corresponding criminal investigations are discontinued.

Evidence from Mackennon highlighted the demanding nature of work in the DPS and noted recurrent issues of rape and domestic abuse allegations against police officers.

The tribunal panel is expected to deliver a verdict on the matter on 22nd March.

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