Former Metropolitan Police officer branded 'the devil' as he is jailed for life over multiple rapes

1 May 2024, 14:30 | Updated: 1 May 2024, 16:37

A former Metropolitan Police officer who has been jailed for life for multiple counts of rape has been described by his victims as "the devil" and a "serious danger to every woman".

Cliff Mitchell, 24, was found guilty of 10 counts of rape, three counts of rape of a child under 13, one count of kidnap and the breach of a non-molestation order, following a trial at Croydon Crown Court.

He must serve a minimum sentence of 13 years and 225 days for his crimes, which took place between 2014 and 2023.

Mitchell, of Wandsworth, London, was described by the judge as "clearly a deeply troubled young man", who, if released, will be on licence for the rest of his life.

The former officer was serving in Hounslow when a number of the offences were committed, the Met Police had said.

He was suspended from the force after the allegations came to light and was dismissed in December 2023.

The court had heard he kidnapped and raped one of his victims at knife-point in September 2023, telling her to put her arms behind her back, before tying her up and putting tape over her mouth.

'You are the devil'

During the trial, jurors heard how one of Mitchell's victims only managed to escape by saying she had to get out of his car because she felt sick - before she was seen running through traffic by members of the public.

In the sentencing hearing, one victim's statement addressing Mitchell read: "You have shown no remorse for what you did to us.

"You deserve to spend the rest of your life in a cell because you are a serious danger to every woman walking the streets.

"You are the devil. You disgust me. I hope you suffer for the rest of your life."

Another victim called Mitchell "a pathetic excuse of a man".

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Mitchell had previously been subject to a rape investigation in 2017, which had resulted in no further action.

Following his arrest in 2023, the case was reinvestigated which resulted in him being charged with an additional three counts of rape of a child under 13 and three counts of rape.

Remorseless

Sentencing Mitchell, Mrs Justice May said the court was left with "no choice" to pass a discretionary life sentence because of Mitchell's continued denial and having shown "no remorse at all".

The judge added: "The fact he was a police officer, albeit for a short time, will make imprisonment a harsher experience for him."

Mrs Justice May also praised the bravery of the victims for coming forward.