Trans Met Police special constable found guilty of raping girl aged 12 he met online

A serving volunteer Met Special Constable has been found guilty of committing several serious offences, including the rape of a 12-year-old girl.

James Bubb, 27, (top left) of no fixed abode, was convicted on Thursday, 28 August of five offences after meeting victims on Omegle and Kik.

Police believe there could be other victims and appealed for others to come forward.

Bubb, now identifies as a transgender woman called Gwyn Samuels (top right).

If follows a trial at Amersham Law Courts which started on Monday, 11 August in a Thames Valley Police-led investigation.

The charges relate to incidents which occurred between January 2018 and April 2024 in London and Buckinghamshire.

Bubb was found guilty of the following counts relating to victim one:

One count of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, rape of a child under 13, sexual activity with a child and assault by penetration.

The jury found Bubb not guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual activity with a child in relation to the same victim.

Bubb was also found guilty of one count of rape relating to a second victim.

He was immediately suspended from his volunteer duties on Tuesday, 30 April 2024 after the Met was informed by Thames Valley Police he had been arrested.

The Special Constable started to volunteer with Met Police Central West team in September 2020 and was off-duty during all the incidents.

At the time of the offences, the defendant identified as a male called James Bubb, but during the investigation, which was supported by The Metropolitan Police Service, changed their name to Gwyn Samuels and now self-identifies as a transgender woman.

When the victims reported the offences to the police, they stated they had been committed by a man that they knew as James Bubb.

The defendant raped and abused the first victim over a period of years at locations in London and Chesham, the latter where the defendant was living at the time. The victim was 12-years-old when the offences started.

The defendant raped the second victim on an occasion between 2018 and 2023. The victim was 18-years-old in 2018.

The defendant met both victims online, through the website Omegle and the app Kik.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Kirsty Pendle said: “Gwyn Samuels, previously known at the time of the offences as James Bubb, is a dangerous, predatory sex offender.

“The abuse inflicted on the victims by the defendant was appalling, therefore I am pleased the jury has convicted the defendant of a number of offences on the indictment.

“I would like to commend the courage and bravery shown by the victims in coming forward and reporting these crimes and their strength throughout this investigation and court proceedings.

“This case demonstrates that Thames Valley Police takes reports of sexual offences extremely seriously.

“We have specifically trained officers who will listen and support you at every stage.

“We keep an open mind as to any other offending committed by this defendant.

“The defendant, who at the time of the offences identified as a male called James Bubb, used the website Omegle and the app Kik to meet the victims.

“If you do have any information about this defendant then please contact the force quoting the investigation name Operation Aspect.

“You can contact us however you feel most comfortable. You can visit a police station, call 101, or leave details via our website.”

The defendant is currently suspended from the police role.

Simon Stancombe who is the OCU Commander for the Met Police Anti-corruption and Abuse Command said:

“The actions of Bubb are completely despicable, and I commend the victim-survivors for their bravery in coming forward, ultimately leading to this conviction today.

“Bubb was immediately suspended as a volunteer police officer as soon as we became aware of these very serious allegations . No complaints had previously been made about Bubb’s conduct while performing his duties as a Special Constable. Now criminal proceedings have concluded we can proceed with seeking dismissal.”

Bubb will be sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court on 19 December.