Cliff Mitchell, a former Metropolitan Police officer, has been sentenced to a minimum jail term of over 13 years after being convicted of 10 counts of rape, including three involving a child under the age of 13. The 24-year-old Mitchell, residing in Wandsworth, south-west London, was described by his two victims as “the devil” and “a pathetic excuse of a man.

The harrowing details of Mitchell’s crimes were revealed during his trial at Croydon Crown Court. The jury heard how he had kidnapped and raped one victim while armed with a knife in September 2023. He subjected her to verbal abuse, mockery, and threats, exploiting his authority as a police officer to instil fear and assert control.

In addition to the rape charges, Mitchell was found guilty of one count of kidnap and a breach of a non-molestation order. His offences, spanning from 2014 to 2023, led to a life sentence with a minimum term of 13 years and 225 days.

Mrs Justice May, presiding over the case, emphasized the severity of Mitchell’s crimes, stating, “A sentence of life imprisonment is required.” She highlighted Mitchell’s abuse of power and desire for control as aggravating factors, compounded by his former role as a police officer.

During the sentencing hearing, one victim addressed Mitchell directly, expressing her disgust and asserting that he deserved to spend the rest of his life behind bars. The other victim, living in constant fear, held him accountable for robbing her of her self-worth.

Mitchell’s tenure with the Metropolitan Police ended in 2023 when he was dismissed following his arrest. His past involvement in a rape investigation in 2017, resulting in no further action, has raised questions about the vetting procedures within the police force.

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized the system’s failure, calling for wholesale changes to vetting procedures to better tackle violence against women and girls. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy acknowledged the concerns and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to reforming and enhancing its vetting processes.