A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been found guilty of rape following a trial at Croydon Crown Court.
PC Tony Watts, who was attached to the North Area Command Unit, was convicted on Tuesday, July 8 and has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.
The offence relates to an incident that took place between mid-January and early February 2020 while Watts was off duty. The attack was reported to police in May 2022.
Watts was arrested shortly after the report was made and later bailed while further enquiries were carried out. He was charged with rape on 25 September 2024 and subsequently suspended from duty.
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.”
The victim-survivor has been supported throughout the investigation and trial by specialist officers.
Watts is due to be sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on Monday 11 August.
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed and a misconduct hearing will take place as soon as possible.
