A probationary PC with Bedfordshire Police has been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman after a night out in Bedford.
PC James Barrett-Barnett was found guilty of assault by penetration and a further two counts of sexual assault yesterday (Tuesday) following a trial at Huntingdon Crown Court.
He was immediately suspended by the force after the allegations were reported in 2022.
The court heard he had got into bed with the woman following a night out with friends and had then sexually assaulted her, despite her not consenting.
Barrett-Barnett admitted his actions but claimed it had been consensual. However, he was convicted of all three charges and will be sentenced on 31 May. Misconduct proceedings against PC Barrett-Barnett will now progress.
Deputy Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic said: “There should be no place in policing for male violence against women. Barrett-Barnett had only been a probationary officer for a short time and had just completed his initial training when he committed this horrendous offence.
“I commend the victim who showed great bravery to give evidence during the trial which ultimately brought him to justice. We will never accept this sort of behaviour and take all reports extremely seriously.
“We will continue take robust action against anyone who acts in this way or acts in a way which betrays the trust and confidence that the public should have in policing.”
