Bradford Sergeant Jailed for Rape
Ben Lister, a 36-year-old sergeant from Bradford District, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a brutal off-duty sex attack in August 2016. Lister, who served with West Yorkshire Police since 2007, was found guilty by a jury after denying charges of rape and sexual assault.
Crime Reported Four Years Later
The victim bravely came forward in 2020, reporting the offences to the police. Since December that year, Lister has been suspended while facing the charges. His conviction sends a serious message: no one is above the law, not even the boys in blue.
West Yorkshire Police Condemn Officer’s Actions
“I would like to praise the bravery and courage of the victim who came forward in this case. I hope this conviction demonstrates that no one is above the law,” said Detective Superintendent Mark Long from West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate.
“I have no doubt that the serious criminal behaviour of one of our officers will leave colleagues as horrified as I am. West Yorkshire Police expects the highest standards of conduct and behaviour from its officers, whether on or off duty. This officer’s actions fell far below those standards.”
“The vast majority of police officers, PCSOs and staff work tirelessly to protect and serve the community. We have all been let down by this officer. He still faces a misconduct hearing, which we will move to conclude as soon as possible.”
