Former Metropolitan Police officer charged with 17 sex offences

A former Metropolitan Police officer has been charged with 15 counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape.

Former police officer Mark Tyrell, 55, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said all allegations relate to one alleged victim and the offences are said to have taken place between 2017 and 2023.

Tyrell is also charged with three counts of obstructing justice, alleging he deleted messages, pressured the alleged victim to provide false information and lied during questioning despite being cautioned.

He was also charged with misconduct in a public office for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a woman. It is alleged he met her while on police duty and knew she was in a vulnerable position.

The IOPC launched an investigation in April 2023 after the Met referred Tyrell’s case to the watchdog. He retired during the investigation.

According to the IOPC, Tyrell served in the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command.

Wayne Couzens, the former officer who kidnapped, raped and murdered Sarah Everard in March 2021, also worked for the unit, according to the Met. It is not known whether Couzens and Tyrell worked for the unit at the same time.

Following Couzens’ conviction, the Met ordered a “thorough review” of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command.

At the time, the police said “particular emphasis will be placed on recruitment, vetting, culture, professional standards and supervision.”

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