Gwyn Samuels, formerly known as James Bubb, is a 28-year-old former Metropolitan Police Special Constable who is serving a 24-year prison sentence following conviction for the rape of a child and a woman. Gwyn Samuels was jailed for 32 years — 24 years in custody plus eight years on licence — at Aylesbury Crown Court on 20 March 2026.

Who is Gwyn Samuels?

Gwyn Samuels, who was previously known as James Bubb, is a 28-year-old individual from Chesham in Buckinghamshire. At the time of the offences, Samuels was serving as a volunteer Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police Service. The defendant has since changed their name and now identifies as a transgender woman. Thames Valley Police, which led the criminal investigation, confirmed this background as part of the formal case record.

Samuels was dismissed from the Metropolitan Police following the conviction. The case attracted significant national attention, partly due to the defendant’s former role in law enforcement and the nature of the offences committed against a child.

What Were the Offences?

Gwyn Samuels was convicted of a series of serious sexual offences, all of which occurred between January 2018 and April 2024. The offences included the rape of a child under the age of 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, sexual activity with a child, assault by penetration, and the rape of a woman. In total, five separate charges were proven to the criminal standard.

The defendant met both victims online — through the website Omegle and the messaging application Kik. In the case of the child victim, Samuels groomed the young girl over a period of time before committing the abuse when the victim was just 12 years old. In the case of the adult victim, Samuels posed online as a 16-year-old girl before meeting and raping the woman. The sentencing judge, His Honour Judge Jonathan Cooper, described the defendant as having “groomed” and “terrorised” the victims.

Connection to the Metropolitan Police

At the time of committing some of the offences, Gwyn Samuels — then known as James Bubb — held the role of Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police Service. Special Constables are volunteer police officers with the same powers as regular officers. The Metropolitan Police provided support to Thames Valley Police during the investigation and confirmed that Samuels was dismissed following conviction.

The Metropolitan Police said it expects the highest standards of honesty and integrity from all its officers and volunteers, and that the behaviour in this case represented a fundamental breach of that trust. Cases involving serving or former police officers convicted of serious offences are overseen by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which has the power to direct misconduct proceedings.

Conviction at Crown Court

Gwyn Samuels stood trial at Aylesbury Crown Court and was found guilty on 28 August 2025 of all charges: rape of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, sexual activity with a child, assault by penetration, and rape. The guilty verdict followed a full hearing of evidence, including witness testimony and digital evidence obtained during the Thames Valley Police investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Thames Valley Police with support from the Metropolitan Police. Sentencing took place on 20 March 2026. In addition to the custodial sentence, Samuels was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life, restricting activities and requiring ongoing compliance with supervision requirements.

What Sentence Did They Receive?

Gwyn Samuels was sentenced to 32 years in total: 24 years to be served in custody, followed by eight years on licence. This extended sentence reflects both the severity of the offences and the assessment of the ongoing risk Samuels poses to the public. The sentencing judge noted the grooming and terrorising of victims as significant aggravating factors. The judge also confirmed that Samuels, who was held in the male prison estate during remand, would remain in the male prison estate while serving the sentence.

Samuels is also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life, meaning strict restrictions on online behaviour and contact with potential victims will apply both during and after the custodial sentence. For information about how long-term prisoners progress through the prison system and how release decisions are made, the Parole Board UK guide at Prison Guide is a useful resource. Family members of anyone currently held in custody can find out more about visiting a prisoner or sending money to a prisoner through Prison Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Gwyn Samuels in prison?

Gwyn Samuels is in prison for the rape of a child under 13 and the rape of a woman, along with related child sex offences. The offences were committed between 2018 and 2024. Samuels was sentenced to 24 years in custody plus eight years on licence at Aylesbury Crown Court on 20 March 2026.

Who is Gwyn Samuels formerly known as?

Gwyn Samuels was formerly known as James Bubb. At the time of the offences, the defendant used the name James Bubb and served as a volunteer Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police. The defendant has since changed their name and identifies as a transgender woman.

How long is Gwyn Samuels in prison for?

Gwyn Samuels received a total sentence of 32 years: 24 years in custody followed by eight years on extended licence. This is an extended determinate sentence. Samuels will need to serve the full 24-year custodial period before being considered for release by the Parole Board.

Was Gwyn Samuels a police officer?

Yes, Gwyn Samuels served as a volunteer Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police Service at the time some of the offences were committed. Special Constables are volunteer officers with full police powers. Samuels was dismissed from the Metropolitan Police following the conviction at Aylesbury Crown Court.

What prison is Gwyn Samuels in?

The sentencing judge confirmed that Gwyn Samuels would be held in the male prison estate while serving the sentence. This means Samuels is placed in a male prison in England or Wales. The specific prison is not publicly disclosed by the Prison Service, though the general prison estate allocation is determined by the National Offender Management Service.