Tony Watts showed “complete disregard” for his victim and for his “duty to protect women and girls”

A former Metropolitan Police officer has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for the rape of a woman.

Tony Watts, who was previously attached to the north area command unit serving Enfield and Haringey, was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court this morning (Monday 18th) to five-and-a-half years behind bars. He was previously found guilty following a trial at the same court in July.

The offence relates to an incident that happened between mid-January and early February in 2020 when Watts was off-duty.

The victim-survivor has been supported throughout the course of the investigation and trial by dedicated specialist officers.

Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who leads the north area policing team, said: “Tony Watts has shown a complete disregard for this victim-survivor and for his duty to protect women and girls – in the vilest way.

“We are going above and beyond at the Met to rid the force of those who corrupt our integrity, and it is quite right that Watts has been held accountable for his actions.

“It would have taken a huge amount of courage and strength to speak to police, the way this victim-survivor did, and I hope this sentence provides some closure.

“My message to any other victims who may have experienced a sexual encounter they felt wasn’t right is that they can and should come forward, and we will do everything we can to support you.”

Watts was arrested following the incident being reported in May 2022.

He was bailed while further enquiries took place, before being charged with rape last September and suspended from duty.

A misconduct hearing took place on Friday, 8th August where Watts was dismissed without notice after the chair found he breached the standards of professional behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct at a level of gross misconduct.

Watts will now be added to the barred list held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies, the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

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