Thames Valley Police officer jailed for raping woman

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-37722006

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A police officer has been sentenced to seven years in jail for raping a woman.

Oxford Crown Court heard how PC Richard Hale, 35, of Peel Place, Carterton, Oxfordshire, attacked the woman in her 20s after they visited pubs together in Witney on 3 December 2001.

She came forward in June 2012 to report the rape, which happened at a property in Peel Place in Carterton.

Assistant Chief Constable Jason Hogg said allegations against officers were taken "extremely seriously".

He added: "The sentencing of Hale reflects the seriousness of the offence which has been committed by Hale.

"The force will investigate to ensure offenders, whoever they may be and regardless of any positions they hold, are brought to justice.

"While the conviction of Hale is in no way a reflection of the conduct of the vast majority of Thames Valley Police officers, I would like to reiterate there is no place in the force for those who commit offences of this nature."

The rape happened two years before Hale joined Thames Valley Police. He was suspended from duty last October.

The force has launched a misconduct investigation following the conviction.