Bias based on race and sex undermined the investigation into officer David Carrick, leading to misconduct charges against supervising detective Ray Mackennon.

A misconduct tribunal has heard that unconscious bias based on a victim’s race and sex contributed to a flawed investigation into David Carrick, a former Metropolitan Police officer serving 37 life sentences for over a dozen sexual assaults. Detective Sergeant Ray Mackennon, who supervised the case, was criticized for questioning the victim’s credibility, referencing her immigration status, and relying on a seven-sentence summary of a 49-page interview with Carrick while failing to pursue key evidence or witnesses. The victim, who cited mental distress, did not retract her allegations. Prosecutors argue the failures represent a grave dereliction of duty and may constitute gross misconduct, potentially leading to Mackennon’s dismissal.