A former Metropolitan Police special constable, previously known as James Bubb and now identifying as Gwyn Samuels, stands convicted of raping and sexually assaulting a child after grooming the victim online. The 28-year-old from Chesham, Buckinghamshire, also raped an adult woman met through deceptive online interactions.
Details of the Crimes
Samuels groomed the first victim, a 12-year-old girl, on the Omegle chat site in 2018. They met in person months later at a Christian festival. The offender sexually assaulted the girl publicly shortly before her 13th birthday and later raped and abused her during her early teens, using violence including choking and punching, as the victim reported to police.
Samuels frequently highlighted their authority as a special constable to build trust. The offender appeared paranoid in public, hiding the girl despite her visible child wristband at the festival.
The second victim, a woman who had just turned 18, entered an on-off relationship with Samuels from January 2018 to February 2023. Posing online as a 16-year-old girl, Samuels raped her during this period.
Trial and Convictions
Following a trial last summer, jurors convicted Samuels on multiple counts related to the child victim: rape of a child under 13, sexual activity with a child, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, and assault by penetration. The offender faced clearance on one count of rape and one count of sexual activity with the child, but conviction stood for one count of rape against the adult victim.
All offenses occurred between January 1, 2018, and April 2, 2024. The trial referred to the offender by biological sex, but the court later recognized the new identity of Gwyn Samuels post-transition.
Sentencing at Aylesbury Crown Court
On Friday, Aylesbury Crown Court imposed a 32-year sentence: 24 years’ imprisonment plus eight years on extended licence. Judge Jonathan Cooper described the acts as a systematic grooming campaign to befriend, abuse, and control victims, breaking their will entirely. The judge abused the intimate trust placed in the offender.
Judge Cooper declared Samuels a significant risk to women due to criminal history, not transgender status. The offender remains detained in a male prison. A lifelong sexual harm prevention order bars contact with young women.
Remarks to Victims
Addressing the victims after sentencing, Judge Cooper stated: “Over time, I hope the fact that you are survivors of abuse is ultimately more important to your future lives than the fact you were victims of it. I have to acknowledge that your ordeal at the hands of this defendant was made infinitely more challenging by your experiences of the criminal justice system. There were delays and frustrations at every turn. At various times you felt that power was in the hands of the defendant. Ultimately, power was in your own hands, and particularly in your own voices. The power of your evidence was heard and recognised by the jury in this case.”
Prosecution and Police Response
Paul Robson, Crown Prosecution Service solicitor, noted: “The defendant targeted these victims and exploited their vulnerability and trust. When the victims asked for the abuse to stop, they were ignored. The defendant had clearly sought to attain positions of trust within the community to gain the trust of the victims and the people around them. The offending has had a profound effect on the victims, and we are very grateful to them for their unwavering support throughout this prosecution. As this case demonstrates, we will prosecute those who exploit and harm others, and hope this serves as a warning that justice will catch up with those who offend in this manner.”
Detective Sergeant Kirsty Pendle, the investigating officer, praised the victims’ courage: “I want to pay tribute to the incredible courage and strength shown by both victims in coming forward and supporting this investigation through to court proceedings. Their bravery has been instrumental in bringing this offender to justice.”
Police urge anyone with information on further offenses by Gwyn Samuels, formerly James Bubb, to contact them quoting Operation Aspect via 101, a police station, or their website.
