Police officer sentenced for sexual assault

A police officer has been sentenced for sexual assault.

Joseph McCabe, aged 27, was sentenced at York Magistrates Court today, 31 March 2023.

The Harrogate-based officer denied the allegation, but was found guilty following a trial.

He received a six-month sentence, suspended for 24 months, as well as a three-year restraining order and a requirement to complete rehabilitation programmes.

He is currently suspended from duty. An accelerated misconduct hearing will now be considered at a future date.

The court heard McCabe and the victim, who were known to each other, were sharing a hotel room following a social event last summer. The victim described how, during the night, McCabe picked her up and put her on his bed, and stroked her arm. She returned to her own bed, but later McCabe pulled her hair with such force she fell out of bed. He also shouted at the victim several times to get into bed with him.

After the allegation came to light, McCabe was interviewed, and subsequently charged.

Following the verdict, Deputy Chief Constable Mabs Hussain said:

“Our communities need to know that they can have complete trust in their police, and that we demand the highest level of integrity from our officers and staff.

“McCabe’s disgraceful actions fell far below that standard. I commend the victim for her courage in coming forward so we could take action. I also hope the case sends a clear message that there is no place for this behaviour in policing – and that we will secure justice against perpetrators, no matter who they are.”

Seeking support, advice and ways of reporting sexual assault

If you have been a victim of sexual assault, no matter when it occurred, call North Yorkshire Police on 101. You can also make a report online at www.northyorkshire.police.uk

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response.

Victims who would prefer not to go directly to the police and are not in immediate danger can contact Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362, email [email protected], or go to www.bridgehousesarc.org

You can also contact Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire at www.supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100.