A former special constable, once known as James Bubb and now identifying as Gwyn Samuels, has been convicted of a series of horrific crimes against two women, one of whom was a child. The case reveals a calculated pattern of abuse, meticulously planned and devastatingly executed.
Jurors heard harrowing details of how Bubb groomed one victim online, initiating contact through the chat roulette site Omegle in 2018. This digital connection quickly transitioned into a real-world encounter at a Christian festival, where the victim felt she was being deliberately hidden, her brightly colored child’s wristband a stark contrast to Bubb’s attempts at secrecy.
The court learned that Bubb, during the assaults, employed brutal violence, choking and punching his young victim while subjecting her to unspeakable acts. The abuse continued over a period of time, eroding the girl’s sense of self and leaving deep, lasting scars.
The second victim, an adult at the time of the offenses, endured a years-long on-off relationship with Bubb, beginning in January 2018 and lasting until February 2023. During this period, she was subjected to rape and sexual assault, a betrayal of trust that shattered her life.
Bubb was found guilty of multiple charges, including rape of a child under 13, sexual activity with a child, and assault by penetration. The charges spanned from January 1, 2018, to April 2, 2024, painting a picture of sustained predatory behavior.
Judge Jonathan Cooper condemned Bubb’s actions, stating he “abused the most intimate trust of your victims” in a deliberate “campaign of abuse…intended to break their will entirely.” The judge acknowledged Bubb’s current imprisonment within the male prison estate and confirmed that arrangement would continue.
Crucially, Judge Cooper emphasized that the risk Bubb poses is not linked to his gender identity, but to his criminal actions. He declared Bubb a “very significant risk to women,” a chilling assessment that underscores the severity of his offenses.
A lifelong sexual harm prevention order was imposed, forbidding Bubb from any contact with young women. This measure aims to protect potential future victims from his predatory nature.
Prosecutors highlighted Bubb’s calculated efforts to gain positions of trust within the community, exploiting these roles to manipulate and control his victims. He leveraged his position as a special constable to instill a false sense of security, masking his true intentions.
The Crown Prosecution Service expressed gratitude for the victims’ courage in coming forward and supporting the prosecution. Their unwavering strength was instrumental in bringing Bubb to justice, sending a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sexual abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. It underscores the need for vigilance and a commitment to protecting the vulnerable from those who seek to exploit them.
