Devon and Cornwall Police officer guilty of sexual assault

Kane Haywood has been suspended from Devon and Cornwall Police

A Devon and Cornwall Police Officer has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman he met through social media when he was off duty.

PC Kane Haywood, 30, of East Devon, was found not guilty of two counts of rape in relation to the same incident which took place in Exeter in March 2021.

The jury at Bristol Crown Court took nearly 11 hours to reach a verdict.

Haywood was released on bail and is due to be sentenced on 24 January.

The police officer, who was on trial for two counts of rape and one of sexual assault by penetration, remains suspended from duty.

Off duty

All three charges faced by Mr Haywood were in relation to the same incident in March 2021.

The court heard he met his victim at her flat in Exeter when he was off duty.

In January 2023, police announced he had been charged with sexual assault and rape.

Earlier a jury at Bristol Crown Court found him not guilty of the rape charges, but guilty of sexual assault.

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When the verdicts were read, there were tears and shouts from Mr Haywood's family.

Judge Peter Blair KC warned Mr Haywood he was likely to face a custodial sentence.

"The outcome very much hangs in the balance… sentencing guidelines may well tie my hand."

'Thorough investigation'

Speaking after the hearing, Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Steve Parker said the force's thoughts remain with the victim.

He added: "The conviction of PC Kane Haywood for sexual assault follows a full and thorough investigation by the force.

"We are as committed as ever to reducing sexual violence and predatory behaviour, and to protecting women and girls from harm."