A former police officer from Sheffield has been found to have committed gross misconduct after assaulting and injuring a woman during a sexual encounter. Former PC Rowan Horrocks, who resigned ahead of an accelerated misconduct hearing, would have faced dismissal if he had not stepped down prior to the hearing.
During the hearing, it was revealed that Horrocks had caused multiple and extensive injuries to the complainant after taking her home following a night out in November 2021. Although the 27-year-old former officer was acquitted of rape by a jury earlier this month at Leeds Crown Court, the injuries he caused were not disputed during the trial.
Horrocks claimed that the injuries were the result of consensual sex. However, it was determined that the level of harm inflicted amounted to assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), which cannot be consented to under the law.
Chief Constable Lauren Poultney, who presided over the hearing, stated that no consent was given for the injuries and that Horrocks did not reasonably believe the complainant was consenting. Poultney emphasised that this case sets a precedent within South Yorkshire Police and demonstrates their commitment to addressing misconduct within their ranks.
While acknowledging that Horrocks was acquitted of rape, Chief Constable Poultney stressed that the severity of the injuries suffered by the complainant constituted ABH. Poultney commended the complainant for her courage in coming forward, especially considering that the accused was a police officer. The Chief Constable acknowledged that incidents like this can impact the trust and confidence that officers and staff work hard to build with their communities. However, she emphasised the importance of transparency and robustly addressing such cases to maintain the integrity of the force.
Chief Constable Poultney concluded by stating that there is no place for someone like Horrocks in the police force and expressed gratitude to the complainant for her support throughout the proceedings.
