Police officer sentenced for sexual assault

POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT

A police officer has been officially sentenced due to charges of sexual assault.

Joseph McCabe, aged 27 and based in Harrogate, was handed down his sentence today at York Magistrates Court, 31 March 2023.

The officer maintained his innocence throughout the trial but was ultimately convicted of the offence.

He was sentenced to six months in prison, though the sentence was suspended for two years.

Additionally, he was issued a three-year restraining order and ordered to undertake rehabilitation programs.

Currently, McCabe is suspended from his duties.

There will be an expedited misconduct hearing scheduled for a later date.

Details from the court revealed that McCabe and the alleged victim, who knew each other, shared a hotel room after attending a social event last summer.

The victim recounted that during the night, McCabe lifted her onto his bed and touched her arm.

She then returned to her own bed, but later, McCabe pulled her hair with enough force to cause her to fall out of bed.

He also shouted at her multiple times, urging her to join him in his bed.

After allegations surfaced, McCabe was interviewed by authorities and subsequently charged.

Deputy Chief Constable Mabs Hussain remarked on the case, stating, “Our communities must have unwavering trust in their police force.

We uphold the highest standards of integrity among our officers and staff.

“McCabe’s actions were a gross departure from those standards.

I commend the courage of the victim for coming forward, which allowed us to take appropriate action.

I want to emphasize that such behavior has no place in policing and that justice will be sought for all victims, regardless of who the perpetrator is.”