Former Metropolitan Police Firearms Officer Appears in Court Charged with Rape and Violent Offences

A former firearms officer with the Metropolitan Police Service has appeared in court charged with multiple serious sexual and violent offences against a woman over a period spanning nearly a decade.

John Doyle, 53, previously attached to the force’s Specialist Firearms Command, appeared before magistrates in London on Wednesday. Prosecutors allege that between 2013 and 2022 he subjected a woman to repeated abuse, including rape and coercive and controlling behaviour involving serious acts of violence.

According to the charges read in court, Doyle faces five counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration. He is also charged with four counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. In addition, prosecutors have brought two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour, two counts of misconduct in public office and one count of possession of extreme pornography.

The misconduct in public office allegations relate to claims that Doyle engaged in sexual activity on police premises while serving as an officer. He was not asked to enter pleas during the initial hearing.

Doyle, who is from Liverpool, was granted bail and is due to appear next at Southwark Crown Court next month, where the case is expected to proceed. Conditions of his bail were set by the court, although full details were not disclosed during the brief hearing.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Doyle was suspended immediately after his arrest in June 2024. The force said he was dismissed from service in December of the same year following internal proceedings.

The case adds to a series of high profile investigations involving serving and former officers in recent years, placing continued scrutiny on standards and vetting within the capital’s police force. Commissioner Mark Rowley has previously pledged to remove officers who fall below professional standards and to rebuild public confidence in the institution.

In past statements, Rowley has acknowledged serious failures within the force and committed to reforms aimed at improving oversight, strengthening misconduct processes and increasing transparency. However, repeated criminal cases involving officers have intensified public concern about internal culture and accountability.

Legal proceedings in Doyle’s case remain at an early stage. Under UK law, defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty, and the allegations will be tested in court. Further details are likely to emerge when the matter reaches the Crown Court for formal hearings.

The Metropolitan Police said it continues to cooperate fully with the investigation and reiterated its commitment to upholding professional standards across the organisation.