Introduction:
A former police officer, Pc Ravi Canhye, has been sentenced to 16 and a half years in prison for committing violent sexual assaults against two women, with the court describing his behavior as predatory and abusive.
Conviction and Charges:
Canhye, who served with Dorset Police, was convicted of two counts of rape, one attempted rape, three charges of assault with penetration, and a charge of sexual assault against the second woman.
Details of the First Assault:
During the trial at Winchester Crown Court, it was revealed that Canhye violently assaulted the first victim, including slapping and mauling her, before forcibly raping her while subjecting her to verbal abuse.
He also threatened further abuse using his police truncheon and a vodka bottle.
Judge’s Condemnation:
In sentencing Canhye, Judge Jane Miller expressed strong condemnation, describing the first victim’s experience as “a persistent, degrading and truly overwhelming episode of sexual and physical humiliation.”
She emphasized that Canhye’s actions were predatory, selfish, and uncaring.
Aggravating Feature:
Judge Miller highlighted that Canhye’s status as a serving police officer was an aggravating feature, as it meant the victims had placed a level of trust in him.
Legal Consequences:
In addition to the prison sentence, Canhye was also issued a restraining order, placed on the sex offenders register, and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), requiring him to notify the police of any future sexual relationship.
Victim Impact Statements:
The first victim, in a victim impact statement, described how the attack had left her no longer feeling “happy and confident” and had caused shame, embarrassment, and severe psychological distress.
Second Victim’s Reaction:
The second victim expressed shock upon learning that Canhye was a police officer and expressed fear for her safety, feeling “frightened to leave my home.”
Details of the Assault:
The prosecutor, Sarah Jones KC, explained that Canhye’s behavior spiraled out of control due to heavy drinking, leading him to act like an “animal” during the assault.
Trust Betrayed:
The first victim had trusted Canhye both as a friend and a police officer, which made the betrayal even more devastating.
Second Assault:
The sexual assault against the second victim occurred the following day when they returned to Canhye’s home out of concern for his well-being due to his heavy drinking.
Police Suspension and Career:
Dorset Police confirmed that Canhye, who had served in public service for over 20 years, was suspended after the allegations surfaced and now faces misconduct proceedings.
Canhye resigned from the force, and his career has been irreversibly impacted.
Conclusion:
The case of Ravi Canhye serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of abusing one’s position of trust and the severe legal penalties that follow such heinous crimes.
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