Gwyn Samuels, formerly known as James Bubb, 28, is serving a 32-year sentence after being convicted of the rape of a child under 13 and a series of further serious sexual offences. Sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court on 20 March 2026, Samuels had previously served as a volunteer Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police Service — a role that makes the case particularly significant.
Who is Gwyn Samuels?
Gwyn Samuels — formerly known as James Bubb — is a 28-year-old individual of no fixed abode who previously served as a Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police Service. A Special Constable is a volunteer police officer who holds the same powers as a regular officer when on duty. Samuels was later dismissed from the Metropolitan Police Service following conviction.
The case attracted widespread attention not only because of the severity of the offences but because of the perpetrator’s former role in policing. The Metropolitan Police has faced repeated scrutiny in recent years over the conduct of individuals within its ranks, and this case added to calls for greater vetting and safeguarding standards in the recruitment of both paid officers and volunteers.
What Were the Offences?
The offences for which Samuels was convicted span a period of several years and involved two separate victims. The first victim was 12 years old when the abuse began. Samuels met this victim online — initially through the website Omegle and the messaging application Kik — and proceeded to commit a prolonged series of sexual offences against them at locations in London and in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, where Samuels was living at the time.
The second victim was 18 years old at the time of the offence. Samuels was found guilty of raping this individual on an occasion between 2018 and 2023, having also met them online. The full list of convictions included rape of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, sexual activity with a child, assault by penetration, and rape of an adult.
The use of online platforms to make contact with both victims was central to the offending. Cases of this nature illustrate why online safety legislation and the monitoring of grooming behaviour by police and safeguarding agencies is a significant priority in the UK.
How Did the Investigation Begin?
The investigation into Samuels was conducted jointly by Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police Service. The case was handled with particular care given the defendant’s background as a former police volunteer, as investigations involving serving or former officers require additional procedural safeguards to ensure independence and integrity.
The offences came to light following reports to police. The investigation spanned a considerable period before charges were brought, reflecting the complexity of building a case involving digital evidence, multiple victims, and offences committed across different police force areas. Thames Valley Police confirmed the conviction and sentence at the time of the March 2026 sentencing hearing.
The Trial and Conviction
Samuels was found guilty by a jury on 28 August 2025 following a contested trial. The jury convicted on all counts, including the most serious charge of rape of a child under 13. Following the guilty verdict, Samuels was remanded in custody ahead of a sentencing hearing, which was scheduled and ultimately heard at Aylesbury Crown Court on 20 March 2026.
The sentencing hearing heard from victim impact statements as well as representations from the prosecution and defence. The judge was required to apply the Sentencing Council’s definitive guideline for sexual offences, which sets out the sentencing ranges appropriate for offences of this type based on the category of harm and the culpability of the offender.
The Sentence and What Happens Next
At Aylesbury Crown Court on 20 March 2026, Gwyn Samuels was sentenced to a total of 32 years. This comprises 24 years to be served in custody and a further eight years on extended licence following release. Samuels was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life, meaning that any future contact with children or specified online activity will be strictly regulated by the courts.
Under current sentencing rules, Samuels will be required to serve the full custodial term before being considered for release, given the serious nature of the offences and the extended determinate structure of the sentence. Samuels will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Families of those serving long sentences in the UK can access practical guidance on matters such as booking a prison visit and sending money to a prisoner through our dedicated guides. For information on how the parole process works for serious offenders, see our Parole Board UK guide.
Following sentencing, Detective Inspector Colin Lyford of Thames Valley Police described the offences as appalling, and the Metropolitan Police confirmed that Samuels had been dismissed from the Special Constabulary. No person currently serving in any policing role can hold a position while subject to a criminal conviction of this type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Gwyn Samuels in prison?
Gwyn Samuels is in prison after being convicted of the rape of a child under 13 and other serious sexual offences against two victims met online. Samuels was sentenced to 32 years at Aylesbury Crown Court on 20 March 2026.
Who is Gwyn Samuels?
Gwyn Samuels, formerly known as James Bubb, is a 28-year-old who previously served as a volunteer Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police Service. Samuels was dismissed from the Metropolitan Police following conviction. The offences were committed against two individuals met online over a period of several years.
How long is Gwyn Samuels serving in prison?
Gwyn Samuels received a sentence of 32 years, comprising 24 years in custody and 8 years on extended licence. Samuels will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life and will remain on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.
Was Gwyn Samuels a police officer?
Gwyn Samuels previously served as a Special Constable — a volunteer police officer — with the Metropolitan Police Service. Special Constables have the same powers as regular police officers when on duty. Samuels was dismissed from the role following conviction at trial in August 2025.
Where was Gwyn Samuels sentenced?
Gwyn Samuels was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court in Buckinghamshire on 20 March 2026. The Crown Court in Aylesbury handles serious criminal cases for the Buckinghamshire area, where some of the offences took place.
