Another police officer convicted of sexually assaulting woman

PC Joseph McCabe, a Harrogate police officer, has been convicted of sexual assault by touching and given a suspended six-month sentence.

McCabe and the victim were staying at a hotel following a social event when he picked her up out of her bed and placed her in his own and began stroking her arm. The victim knew McCabe but was not in a relationship with him. She was appalled by the officer’s behaviour, particularly because he was also a devout Roman Catholic. She returned to her own bed, rejecting his sexual advances.  However, McCabe violently dragged her out of her bed by her hair, demanding she have sex with him. He proceeded to shout and swear at her to get into his bed and he continued pestering her for sex.

McCabe’s suspended sentence means that he avoids prison however he was given a three-year restraining order and must complete rehabilitation programmes.

Deputy Chief Constable Mabs Hussain said that he hopes that ‘the case sends a clear message that there is no place for this behaviour in policing…’

McCabe was suspended from duty pending the outcome of the criminal case and North Yorkshire police force have said an accelerated misconduct hearing ‘will now be considered at a future date’.

In another case that I wrote about recently, in which a Humberside police officer Simon Miller was convicted of having an inappropriate relationship with a victim, the officer was immediately dismissed from the force after a misconduct hearing was held.

I hope that McCabe will likewise be discharged from North Yorkshire police force.

Increasingly, police officers are abusing their authority and are behaving at standards below that required for those in roles serving the public. The woman in this case said that the officer terrified her; she was put in a state of fear and shock. This is devastating, especially when police officers are supposed to make members of the public feel safe.

The case involves another brave woman who came forward and sought justice for the assault she suffered. Anyone who has been subjected to similar offences should similarly receive justice and be able to access this in the criminal courts and in the civil courts.

A civil claim for compensation can be brought where a victim has experienced abuse or suffered sexual assault. A successful claim can provide compensation for the pain and suffering caused, financial losses and can also help to provide funding for future therapy.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a sexual offence, please contact me or one of the team to discuss bringing a claim for compensation.