A former Metropolitan Police officer accused of raping a woman was trained in Sexual Offences Investigation Techniques (SOIT), a court has heard. Mark Tyrrell, 57, is on trial at Southwark Crown Court for allegations involving one woman over a period of about two years.
Tyrrell allegedly apologised for 'being a sex offender' in a message to the woman, which he later reportedly attempted to delete. He denies two counts of rape, 11 counts of sexual assault, and four counts of assault by penetration.
'I'm sorry x,' the message showed. 'I'm good at doing that to people. (Not the sex offender bit, the ruining people's lives bit) and for being a c***.'
The woman asked Tyrrell not to make such statements, but he reportedly replied, 'They're true, and I'm an arsehole'. Prosecutors allege that Tyrrell attempted to delete these messages, which forms part of a separate charge of perverting the course of justice.
The power of a warrant card and the ability to access vulnerable people.
— Alice Vinten (@AVintenAuthor) October 14, 2026
Plus the fact that predators are not only tolerated but often celebrated within policing cultures. https://t.co/EJs8pYDywu
Allegations of Sexual Assault
Prosecutor Catherine Farrelly KC told jurors that Tyrrell 'emotionally bullied and manipulated' the woman to 'try and satisfy his sexual needs'. The prosecution alleges he had sex with her despite repeated refusals and often touched her while she was asleep.
The woman allegedly woke on several occasions to find Tyrrell penetrating her, despite having refused sex the previous night. After one such incident, Tyrrell asked if she understood that his actions constituted rape, stating, 'I don't believe what's just happened,' and 'Do you realise that what I've just done, that was rape?'
According to the prosecution, Tyrrell stated that he intended to surrender to authorities and expected to be incarcerated. On a separate occasion, when the woman questioned him about the incident, he allegedly raised his voice and asked if she understood her statements and their possible implications for him.
Concerns Raised With Police
Concerns arose when officers attended the woman's home on an unrelated matter and reportedly found Tyrrell hiding beside her bed. He later allegedly called her to state that nothing sexual had occurred. In a separate conversation, he suggested she claim to be a lesbian and that he was 'not her type'.
The woman kept a record of incidents involving Tyrrell, including the alleged sexual assaults. In a police interview, she explained that she felt pressured and feared no one would believe her because she could not prove the allegations. She also expressed concern that police might protect Tyrrell due to his status as an officer.
Tyrrell, who is from Meltham, West Yorkshire, denied having sexual intercourse with the woman following his arrest. However, Tyrrell has admitted misconduct in public office.
He also admitted to a separate charge of interfering with justice by persuading the woman to provide false information to the police regarding his presence in her bedroom. The trial began at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, and is ongoing.
Consequences of Sexual Violence
While Mark Tyrrell's trial continues, a separate case involving a figure in the fashion industry demonstrates the potential criminal consequences of rape convictions. Although the circumstances differ, this case shows how allegations can lead to a prison sentence when a court establishes guilt.
Clothing brand Superdry's co-founder James Holder was sentenced to eight years in prison in May 2026 after being convicted of raping a woman in Cheltenham in May 2022. Holder denied rape and maintained the sexual activity was consensual. However, the jury found him guilty.
Clothing brand Superdry co-founder James Holder has been found guilty of rape after a night out.
— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) May 1, 2026
The jury heard he was due to take a taxi home, but instead got into the woman's taxi &went to her flat, where he raped her. She asked him to stop, but he did not, even when she began… pic.twitter.com/9UP9Q3RtJf
Under the law in England and Wales, rape and assault by penetration can carry maximum sentences of life imprisonment, while sexual assault carries a maximum of 10 years in prison. Tyrrell's trial is ongoing, and any sentence would depend on the charges proven and the circumstances established in court.
