Kent Police Sergeant Convicted of Rape and Stalking
Senior Officer Clive Garton Found Guilty
Kent Police sergeant Clive Garton, 56, has been found guilty of rape, stalking, and perverting the course of justice. The shocking verdict came after a trial at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday, 2 May 2018.
Victim’s Harrowing Ordeal
On 22 October 2016, Garton visited the home of his victim in Sittingbourne. Following a heated argument, she believed he would leave. Instead, Garton assaulted her as she sat on the stairs, ignoring her repeated pleas to stop. After the attack, the victim called the police, but Garton stayed and pressured her to drop the charges, promising to meet her demands if she did.
Years of Abuse and Surveillance Uncovered
The victim revealed a terrifying history of stalking and controlling behaviour. Garton had bugged her home with disguised listening devices and tracked her mobile phone to monitor her every move—even while on bail. In police interviews, Garton admitted to planting the bugs and spying on her, though he claimed the sexual encounter was consensual.
Justice Served and Police to Investigate Conduct
Police seized two SIM card-enabled listening devices disguised as plug sockets during a search of the victim’s home. After hearing all the evidence, the jury found Garton guilty. He remains in custody and will be sentenced on 6 June 2018. He was suspended immediately upon arrest.
“The victim has shown great bravery coming forward in difficult circumstances,” said Superintendent Nick Gossett. “She endured years of coercive and controlling behaviour. We take stalking and rape offences extremely seriously and urge victims to come forward.”
