Former Metropolitan Police Firearms Officer Appears in Court on Multiple Serious Charges
A former Metropolitan Police firearms officer has made a court appearance, facing a total of seventeen charges including five counts of rape, following allegations of a prolonged campaign of abuse against a woman spanning over a decade. John Doyle, aged 53, stood before Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where he was formally accused of sexual abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, misconduct in a public office, and possessing extreme pornography.
Court Appearance and Defendant's Demeanour
Dressed in a smart dark suit, Doyle appeared composed yet subdued during the hearing. He clasped his hands in front of him and spoke quietly as he confirmed his personal details, including his name, date of birth, and address. With grey hair swept back and short grey stubble, he displayed minimal emotion throughout the proceedings, aside from occasional slight shakes of his head.
Allegations of Severe Abuse and Control
The prosecution alleges that Doyle engaged in what they describe as 'serious acts of violence' during BDSM sexual activities, which reportedly included kicking the woman and wrapping her face with clingfilm to restrict her breathing. These incidents are said to have occurred over a twelve-year period, during which Doyle is accused of exerting extreme control over the victim's life.
Further allegations include:
- Controlling what the woman ate and forcing her into cleaning 'rituals'
- Compelling her to source class A drugs for his own sexual pleasure
- Posting intimate images of her on a public forum without consent
- Subjecting her to a torrent of criticisms about her appearance and hygiene, which allegedly eroded her confidence and caused her to withdraw socially
Abuse of Police Position and Additional Charges
Doyle is also accused of having sex on police premises and gaining improper access to a firearm through his role within the Metropolitan Police. Previously serving with the Met's Specialist Firearms Command, also known as MO19, Doyle was arrested and suspended in June 2024 before being formally dismissed from the force in December 2024 following the allegations against him.
The full list of charges against Doyle includes:
- Five counts of rape
- One count of sexual assault by penetration
- Two counts of coercive and controlling behaviour
- Two counts of causing actual bodily harm
- Four counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent
- Two counts of misconduct in public office
- One charge of possessing extreme pornography
Legal Proceedings and CPS Statement
Doyle was formally notified of these seventeen charges on February 4, though details of the case only became public on Tuesday. Catherine Baccas of the Crown Prosecution Service stated: 'Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to do so. This follows allegations made by a woman relating to a period of alleged abuse spanning 12 years. We have worked closely with the Metropolitan Police as they have carried out their investigation into the allegations.'
Case Transfer and Bail Conditions
Magistrate Jude Paul Goldspring has sent the case to Southwark Crown Court, where Doyle must appear on March 11 for further proceedings. Doyle has been granted bail with specific conditions: he must live and sleep at his home address in Liverpool and is prohibited from contacting the alleged victim in any manner.
The specific role Doyle held within the firearms command unit remains unclear, though MO19 includes various specialised teams such as counter-terrorism firearms officers and tactical support units. The case continues to develop as it moves through the judicial system.
