Metropolitan Police officer jailed for raping woman

A former Metropolitan Police officer has been jailed for raping a woman known to him while he was off duty.

Ireland Murdock was sentenced to four years in prison at Inner London Crown Court today (June 29) for raping a woman in 2021.

The 27-year-old former PC was found guilty of rape on April 3 following a trial at the same court.

The woman reported the incident to police on January 9, 2022. Murdock was arrested two days later.

Murdock, who was attached to the Central North Command Unit covering Islington and Camden, was then dismissed from the force in July 2022.

He also pleaded guilty to unauthorised access to computer material after putting the victim’s name through a police system.

Former Metropolitan Police constable Ireland Murdock has been jailed for rape (Image: Met Police)

Chief Superintendent Andy Carter, who is in charge of policing for the Central North Basic Command Unit, said: “Murdock committed an absolutely atrocious offence, and caused his victim a lot of pain and fear.

“He betrayed everything we stand for and I am disgusted by his actions.

“I would like to thank the victim for her courage and bravery in coming forward.

“I would also like to thank those who investigated him for building such a strong case that led to him being found guilty.”

Murdock was subsequently charged on March 31, 2022 following an investigation by the Met’s Central South Public Protection team.

The jury heard that in January 2022, Murdock searched for the victim’s name on a police system.

He accessed a restricted crime report relating to her, when he had no policing purpose to do so.

Murdock appeared at Inner London Crown Court on May 27, 2022 where he pleaded not guilty to rape.

During this appearance, a second charge of unauthorised access to computer material was put to him.

He pleaded guilty to this.

As a result of his conviction, Murdock attended an accelerated hearing on July 15, 2022 where it was found that his conduct breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour with respect to discreditable conduct at the level of gross misconduct.

He was dismissed without notice.

Chief Supt Carter added: “We took immediate action to suspend Murdock from duty when his offending came to light and we dismissed him at the earliest opportunity as soon as he pleaded guilty to unauthorised access to computer material.

“We are determined to have a Met that the public can trust, with officers that people feel confident to approach.

“When someone fails to meet these standards, we will take action to remove them from our organisation.”

Murdock was added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing.

Those on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct, or Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.