GAY EX-COP SEEKS JOB BACK AFTER APPEAL WIN
A police officer who is openly gay and was dismissed after being branded a sex offender aims to regain his position within the force.Dave Jewell, aged 42, was found guilty earlier this year of molesting a 16-year-old boy in a public restroom.
However, the Court of Appeal has recently overturned his conviction due to an error in the trial judge’s summary.
Residing in Cramlington, Northumberland, Mr.
Jewell, the first openly gay officer in Northumbria Police, aspires to return to his duties in Newcastle’s West End.
He commented, "The past two years have been the most difficult in my life.
This ordeal has made me stronger and more prepared to stand up to any homophobic abuse I might face." After serving 24 years in the police force and receiving two commendations for bravery—one for confronting a gunman and another for arresting a violent offender—his career was abruptly derailed by an incident in a public toilet in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
He was accused of attempting to molest a 16-year-old boy, who claimed to have pushed him away.
At Doncaster Crown Court in February, Mr.
Jewell denied the indecent assault charges but was convicted.
He became the first officer from Northumbria Police to be listed on the sex offenders' register and was subsequently dismissed.
He now intends to reapply for his £28,000-per-year position.
He stated, "It was my life." A representative from Northumbria Police said, "We will be reviewing the situation."
