Dorset police officer Ravi Canhye jailed for rape and sexual assault

PC Ravi Canhye behaved "like an animal" towards his victim, the court was told

A "predatory" police officer who raped one woman and sexually assaulted another has been jailed for 16-and-a-half years.

PC Ravi Canhye was convicted of two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, three counts of assault by penetration, and sexual assault.

The attacks happened took place over the course of a weekend in April 2022.

A judge at Winchester Crown Court told him he was "selfish and uncaring" and had abused his position of trust.

The jury heard Canhye slapped and mauled the first victim, before pinning her down and raping her.

In a statement read to the court, she said that she was no longer a "happy and confident" person as a result of the attack.

'Battered and bruised'

She said she felt "shame and embarrassment" and suffered from anxiety, nightmares and flashbacks.

She added she was "battered and bruised" after the incident and that "the indignity of it was almost unbearable".

The second victim said she was shocked Canhye was a police officer

She said: "I couldn't believe someone who behaved like that could be one, he has abused his position of trust."

She added that she now felt "frightened to leave my home".

Judge Jane Miller told him that the first victim was subjected to "a persistent, degrading and truly overwhelming episode of sexual and physical humiliation".

She said: "Your behaviour was predatory, selfish and uncaring towards these two women.

"Your being a serving police officer is an aggravating feature, your status means your victims placed a level of trust in you."

Dorset Police said Canhye, who had been in public service for more than 20 years, was suspended after the allegations were made and faces misconduct proceedings.

Sarah Jones KC, prosecuting, told the jury he had "span out of control" after drinking heavily which "changed or disinhibited" him and he behaved like an "animal".

James Newton-Price, defending, said Canhye had resigned from the force.

He added: "He would not have behaved as he did other than for his heavy alcohol consumption."

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