Special Constable convicted of multiple sexual offences

James Bubb, who since the offences were committed has changed his name to Gwyn Samuels and now self-identifies as a transgender woman, was convicted on Thursday (August 28) of five offences.

If follows a trial at Amersham Law Courts which started on Monday (August 11) in a Thames Valley Police-led investigation.

The charges relate to incidents which occurred between January 2018 and April 2024 in London and Buckinghamshire.

Bubb was found guilty of the following counts relating to victim one: one count of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, rape of a child under 13, sexual activity with a child and assault by penetration

Bubb was also found guilty of one count of rape relating to victim two.

The jury found Bubb not guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual activity with a child. Both counts were in relation to victim one.

When the victims reported the offences to the police, they stated they had been committed by a man that they knew as James Bubb.

The defendant raped and abused the first victim over a period of years at locations in London and Chesham, the latter where the defendant was living at the time. The victim was 12-years-old when the offences started.

The defendant raped the second victim on an occasion between 2018 and 2023. The victim was 18-years-old in 2018.

The defendant met both victims online, through the website Omegle and the app Kik.

Bubb was immediately suspended from his volunteer duties in April 2024 after the MPS was informed by Thames Valley Police he had been arrested.

Simon Stancome, the MPS Operational Command Unit Commander for the anti-corruption and abuse command, said: “The actions of Bubb are completely despicable, and I commend the victim-survivors for their bravery in coming forward, ultimately leading to this conviction today.

“Bubb was immediately suspended as a volunteer police officer as soon as we became aware of these very serious allegations. No complaints had previously been made about Bubb’s conduct while performing his duties as a Special Constable. Now criminal proceedings have concluded we can proceed with seeking dismissal.”

The Special Constable started to volunteer with the MPS Central West team in September 2020 and was off-duty during all incidents.

Thames Valley Police investigating officer, Detective Constable Kirsty Pendle, said: “Gwyn Samuels, previously known at the time of the offences as James Bubb, is a dangerous, predatory sex offender.

“The abuse inflicted on the victims by the defendant was appalling, therefore I am pleased the jury has convicted the defendant of a number of offences on the indictment.

“I would like to commend the courage and bravery shown by the victims in coming forward and reporting these crimes and their strength throughout this investigation and court proceedings.

“This case demonstrates that Thames Valley Police takes reports of sexual offences extremely seriously.

“We have specifically trained officers who will listen and support you at every stage.

“We keep an open mind as to any other offending committed by this defendant.

“The defendant, who at the time of the offences identified as a male called James Bubb, used the website Omegle and the app Kik to meet the victims.”

Bubb will be sentenced at Amersham Law Courts at a later date.

The MPS said its  Directorate of Professional Standards is aware.