Bedfordshire police officer convicted of sexually assaulting woman after night out

PC Barrett-Barnett was found guilty following a trial at Huntingdon Crown Court

A probationary police officer has been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman after a night out.

PC James Barrett-Barnett, 25, of Bedfordshire Police, got into bed with a woman after a night out with friends and sexually assaulted her.

He admitted his actions but claimed it had been consensual.

Barrett-Barnett was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual assault by penetration on Tuesday at Huntingdon Crown Court.

The defendant, of Walsall Road, Walsall, is due to be sentenced on 31 May.

Bedfordshire Police, who suspended Barrett-Barnett when allegations were made in 2022, said misconduct proceedings would now progress against him.

Dep Ch Con Dan Vajzovic said: "There should be no place in policing for male violence against women. Barrett-Barnett had only been a probationary officer for a short time and had just completed his initial training when he committed this horrendous offence.

"I commend the victim who showed great bravery to give evidence during the trial which ultimately brought him to justice. We will never accept this sort of behaviour and take all reports extremely seriously.

"We will continue take robust action against anyone who acts in this way or acts in a way which betrays the trust and confidence that the public should have in policing."