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A probationary police officer from Bedfordshire Police has been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman after a night out with friends.
PC James Barrett-Barnett, aged 25, was found guilty on Tuesday at Huntingdon Crown Court of two counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual assault by penetration. The court heard that Barrett-Barnett got into bed with a woman after a night out and sexually assaulted her. Despite admitting his actions, he claimed that the encounter had been consensual.
Barrett-Barnett, residing on Walsall Road, Walsall, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 31. His conviction comes after Bedfordshire Police suspended him from duty when the allegations surfaced in 2022. The police force has confirmed that misconduct proceedings against Barrett-Barnett will now proceed.
Deputy Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic condemned Barrett-Barnett’s actions, emphasizing that there is no place in policing for male violence against women. Vajzovic commended the victim for her bravery in providing evidence during the trial, which led to Barrett-Barnett being brought to justice.
Vajzovic reiterated the police force’s commitment to taking robust action against any officer who engages in behavior that undermines the trust and confidence that the public should have in policing. He assured that all reports of misconduct are treated with the utmost seriousness.
The conviction of PC James Barrett-Barnett underscores the importance of upholding the highest standards of conduct within law enforcement and holding accountable those who betray the trust placed in them by the community
