Police officer 'cannot remember' rape complainant

David Stansbury said he cannot remember the original call-out in 2009

A former Devon and Cornwall Police officer accused of rape has no memory of the complainant, a court has heard.

David Stansbury is on trial accused of raping a woman in 2009 after he initially visited her Plymouth home to respond to an attempted break-in.

When questioned by his defence team at Bristol Crown Court, Mr Stansbury said he could not remember the initial 999 call or the alleged victim.

Mr Stansbury, 43, of Ilminster, denies three counts of rape.

The prosecution accused him of raping the woman on three separate occasions in October or November 2009, abusing his position of trust.

Being questioned by Miss Jennifer Tallentire for the defence, he was asked whether he remembered the attempted break-in call-out in 2009.

Mr Stansbury told the court: "I wish I did, but I do not."

Asked whether the allegations of rape, reported to his former force in 2020, were true, he replied: "Not true in the slightest."

Mr Stansbury also denied ever having sex with the woman.

Phone claims denied

Mr Stansbury was asked about GPS data and accessing crime reports regarding the incident involving the complainant despite it not being his job.

He denied he was "circling the area because he had a sexual interest" in the complainant.

He told the court at the time he was doing his job "very thoroughly" as he was studying for exams to become a sergeant.

He also told the jury he would not give out his personal mobile number to any crime victims.

'Ambitious' officer

The court was told Mr Stansbury was a response officer for Devon and Cornwall Police based at Devonport in Plymouth at the time of the alleged offences.

The jury heard he grew up in Ivybridge and, after a stint at Hertfordshire Police, took up a role with Devon and Cornwall in spring 2009.

At the time of the alleged offences, the court heard he described himself as ambitious to climb the ranks.

The jury heard how Mr Stansbury returned to Hertfordshire Police, where he was found to be falsely recording overtime between November 2018 and January 2019, but remained in post under supervision.

Mr Stansbury said his health at the time was extremely poor following the death of his mother and pressures at home and work, and he was subsequently diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Mr Stansbury is currently suspended from his position as a sergeant with Hertfordshire Police.

The trial continues.