A former Metropolitan Police officer has been jailed for rape after prosecutors used evidence from an earlier trial to help expose a wider pattern of abuse. The Crown Prosecution Service said the case against John Doyle came after a woman made allegations covering a 12-year period of offending, including rape, coercive control and assaults.
Doyle, 53, was charged in February 2026 with multiple offences, including five counts of rape, assault by penetration, controlling or coercive behaviour, several assaults, grievous bodily harm with intent, misconduct in public office and possession of an extreme pornographic image. The CPS said he was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for a first hearing on 11 February.
In a separate CPS case involving former Met officer Cliff Mitchell, prosecutors said a previous allegation helped them secure charges relating to a second victim, showing how earlier evidence can be crucial in sexual offence cases. Mitchell was later jailed for life with a minimum term of 14 years after being convicted of 13 counts of rape, kidnapping and breaching a non-molestation order.
The broader context is deeply troubling for the Met, which has faced repeated scrutiny over sexual offending by officers and the force’s handling of rape allegations. The Crown Prosecution Service has said its role is to ensure there is sufficient evidence and that any case brought is in the public interest, while reminding the public that defendants are entitled to a fair trial.
