A former Metropolitan Police officer who served in the same command as Wayne Couzens has been found guilty of raping a woman.
Court Convictions and Trial Details
Mark Tyrrell, 57, was convicted at Southwark Crown Court of one count of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of perverting the course of justice by trying to delete messages he had sent to the victim. Jurors heard that he engaged in sexual activity with the woman, whose identity is protected by legal restrictions, after she repeatedly refused. He then asked her if she realized that his actions constituted rape.
The jury cleared Tyrrell of an additional count of rape, four counts of assault by penetration, and eight counts of sexual assault. Tyrrell, a resident of Meltham in West Yorkshire, previously worked in the Met’s Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command. This is the same unit where convicted rapists Wayne Couzens and David Carrick also served.
Prosecutor Catherine Farrelly KC stated during the trial that when the victim resisted his advances, the defendant simply decided to take what he wanted. Authorities first discovered the situation when officers visited the woman’s home on a separate matter and found Tyrrell hiding next to her bed. In a text message presented in court, he apologized for acting as a sex offender and for ruining her life by entering it.
Defense Testimony and Previous Admissions
Testifying in his own defense, Tyrrell maintained that sexual activity between them was consistently consensual and devoid of any force. Prior to the verdict, he had already pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office and an additional charge of perverting the course of justice for urging the woman to mislead police regarding his presence in her bedroom.
Chief Superintendent Sara Leach described the behavior as abhorrent, noting the severity when perpetrated by a serving officer who abused a victim’s trust. She expressed ongoing dismay that an individual of this character wore the uniform, affirming that justice has been served.
Wayne Couzens received a whole-life sentence for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021. Meanwhile, former armed officer David Carrick is serving 36 life sentences for attacks against more than a dozen women. Tyrrell stepped down from the police force in September 2023 following his arrest and subsequent suspension.
Judge Southwark Crown Court scheduled the sentencing hearing for December 16.
