Former Special Constable Sentenced for Grooming and Rape
Gwyn Samuels, previously known as James Bubb, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison after being found guilty of grooming and raping two victims. The crimes were committed after befriending the victims online.
Details of the Offences
James Bubb, who now identifies as a woman named Gwyn Samuels, sexually assaulted a girl who was just 12 years old after establishing contact with her online in 2018. The trial at Aylesbury Crown Court revealed that the first assault occurred after they met in person at a Christian festival where Samuels was a volunteer steward.
The defendant was also convicted of raping a woman whom they met online while posing as a 16-year-old girl. The victim was 18 at the time. The offences occurred over a period between January 2018 and February 2023 during an on-and-off relationship.
Sentencing
On Friday, Samuels was sentenced to a total of 32 years, comprising 24 years’ imprisonment and an additional eight years on extended licence. The sentencing judge, Jonathan Cooper, stated:
“You abused the most intimate trust of each of your victims. In each case you systematically groomed your victim, first to befriend them, then to abuse them, finally to bend them to your will.”
During the trial, the defendant was referred to by their biological sex, but at the sentencing hearing, the judge acknowledged the defendant’s transition and referred to them by their current identity, Gwyn Samuels. The judge also noted that Samuels, who has been held in the male prison estate, will remain there.
“The key point is that you are a very significant risk to women. This is not predicated on your trans status, but on your criminal status.”
Background of the Offences
The defendant initially befriended the girl on the chat platform Omegle in 2018. They met in person for the first time a few months later at a Christian festival. The victim was identifiable by a colour-coded wristband indicating her age. The court heard that Samuels sexually assaulted the girl at the event shortly before her 13th birthday and later raped and sexually abused her.
The victim reported to the police that Samuels had choked and punched her and frequently spoke about the powers he held as an officer.
Regarding the second victim, the court was informed that Samuels had posed as a 16-year-old girl online to befriend her before committing rape during their subsequent relationship.
Convictions and Orders
Samuels was found guilty of multiple offences including one count of raping a child under 13, one count of sexual activity with a child, one count of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, one count of assault by penetration, and one count of rape against the second victim.
A lifelong sexual harm prevention order was also imposed, prohibiting Samuels from contacting young women.
Statements from Authorities
Paul Robson, a lawyer from the Crown Prosecution Service, commented on the case:
“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.”
Detective Sergeant Kirsty Pendle, the investigating officer, said:
“We keep an open mind as to whether Gwyn Samuels, formerly known as James Bubb, has committed any other offences. If you have any information about this defendant, please contact us quoting Operation Aspect. You can visit a police station, call 101, or leave details via our website.”
