Police welcome sex officer's conviction

East Devon officer to face disciplinary action

Devon and Cornwall Police have welcomed a suspended prison sentence given to a serving officer convicted earlier this month of sexually assaulting a woman he had connected with initially on social media.

PC Kane Haywood, 30, from East Devon, was sentenced in Bristol for the offence, which took place whilst he was off-duty. He had been found not guilty of two counts of rape in relation to the same incident in March 2021. He denied all charges.

He was given a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, and will have to sign on to the Sexual Offenders’ Register for 10 years. PC Haywood was also ordered to pay costs.

He will now face disciplinary proceedings within the Force. He has been suspended from duty since his arrest.

Following sentencing, assistant chief constable Steve Parker said: “Kane Haywood’s actions were wholly despicable, and he has quite rightly been convicted of sexual assault.

“This was a deeply worrying crime and we recognise the concern it will have caused within our communities.

“However, the public can be assured that the majority of our officers display exemplary behaviour every day and work extremely hard to uphold the integrity of policing.

“We want to send a very clear message to the public, and our own officers and staff, that maintaining the highest standards and culture within the Force remains a top priority. Any wrongdoing or unacceptable behaviour will be subject to robust investigation.

“We hope that seeing Haywood prosecuted, convicted and sentenced, regardless of his position, will remind victims of sexual offences that they can talk to us, that they will be believed, and they will be treated with the utmost sensitivity.

Officer in the case detective constable Hayley Willison added: “Haywood took advantage of the victim’s trust and committed a horrendous crime against her. I am pleased that she found the strength to report the incident, placing her trust in police and the Crown Prosecution Service to bring him to justice.

“I hope the conclusion of this case goes some way to providing closure for the victim, but I know that for every victim who comes forward there are others who do not. I would urge anyone who is the victim of a similar crime to talk to us. We will believe and support you, and we will work together with partners to bring perpetrators to justice.”

For support if you need it, please contact:

• National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
• Victim Care Unit (Devon and Cornwall) 01392 475900
• Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
• More information: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault