Policeman found not guilty of three rape charges

The jury found David Stansbury not guilty on three counts

A former Devon and Cornwall Police officer has been found not guilty of raping a woman while on duty.

Sgt David Stansbury, 43, from Somerset, was accused of attacking the woman on three separate occasions, having initially visited her Plymouth home after an attempted break-in.

The jury at Bristol Crown Court took more than six hours to reach a verdict.

Mr Stansbury was cleared on all three counts of rape in October or November 2009.

'Tense' trial

The court heard Mr Stansbury attended the complainant's home in October 2009 in response to a 999 call.

Mr Stansbury, from Ilminster, had told the trial he had no memory of the call-out or the complainant.

The allegations were made to his former force in 2020.

His Honour Judge William Hart said to the jury it had been a "tense" and "demanding" trial.

Mr Stansbury is currently a sergeant with Hertfordshire Constabulary but has been suspended from duty during these proceedings.

Gross misconduct

A Hertfordshire Police spokesperson said Sgt Stansbury was currently subject to a gross misconduct investigation, which had been "proceeding sub-judice [not yet judicially decided]".

The investigation would also take into account any matters that had come to light during the criminal proceedings, the constabulary said.

Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Jim Pearce said the south-west England force "notes the verdict from the court".

"We do not underestimate how difficult this matter has been for all of those involved in this case," he said.