John Doyle, a former inspector of the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Firearms Command, has been charged with a series of grave offenses including multiple counts of rape, coercive behavior, and misconduct in public office. The charges were formally presented to him by post on February 4, 2026, and due to the serious nature of these allegations, he is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on February 11.

The charges against Doyle are extensive, encompassing five counts of rape, along with one count of assault by penetration, and two counts of coercive and controlling behavior. He is also facing charges for actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm with intent, as well as misconduct related to his position as a police officer. These accusations highlight a significant breach of trust, given his previous role within a prestigious unit of the police force that handles firearms.

This case emphasizes the pressing issue of accountability within law enforcement and raises concerns about the conduct of individuals in positions of power. Given the numerous and severe allegations, this incident could lead to discussions regarding the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms for police officers and the immediate impact on community relations, especially as it involves crimes of sexual violence and abuse of power.