PC who attacked ex-partner would have been sacked

Lewis Cave worked at Loddon Valley police station in Lower Earley, Berkshire

A former police officer who attacked his ex-partner and two of her relatives would have been sacked had he not quit, a chief constable has ruled.

Lewis Cave, 30, was found guilty of assaulting the trio after confronting them at a house in Tilehurst, Berkshire, on 18 August 2023.

He was sentenced on Tuesday to a 12-month community order and told to do 100 hours unpaid work.

At an accelerated misconduct hearing on Monday, Thames Valley Police (TVP) Chief Constable Jason Hogg found Cave would have been sacked had he not already left the force.

Cave worked at Loddon Valley station and was suspended while the criminal investigation was carried out.

He was convicted of three counts of assault by beating and another of threatening violence to secure entry to premises at Oxford Magistrates' Court last month.

The offences were committed when Cave, of Martingale Grove, Arborfield Green, was off duty.

Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs said: "Violence against women and girls is a priority for our force, and Cave’s behaviour flies in the face of our values and standards.

“...Cave caused harm to his victims and has brought discredit on himself and policing.

“I would like to thank the witnesses who reported and supported the investigation, without their courage we would not have been able to ensure that Cave was convicted and removed from the force.”