Ex-police officer jailed for raping sleeping woman

A student police officer who sexually assaulted two women as they slept has been described as "a selfish, twisted depraved bully" by one of his victims.

Craig Winston, 36, who worked for Gloucestershire Police, has been jailed for 17 years after being found guilty of multiple offences following a trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court in December.

The offences included two counts of rape, one count of causing a female to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity and one count of coercive behaviour towards a woman.

He was found guilty of one count of sexual assault by penetration against the second victim.

Winston, who was a student officer in the Forest of Dean, was found not guilty of four other counts.

His Honour Judge Anthony Lowe told Winston he must serve at least two-thirds of his jail term before being released on licence and also gave him 20-year restraining orders to protect both women.

Speaking at a sentencing hearing on Friday, one of Winston's victims said he had told her she would lose everything if she reported him to the police.

She said: "Yet it was your and only your actions that brought you here, and those colleagues of yours that have helped and supported me to be able to stand here today, when so many women are unable to do so with their abuser."

The court heard a statement read out on behalf of another victim, which said: "There is no statement that can truly describe the ways that Craig Winston ruined my life, but after today I can finally begin to walk the difficult road of moving on."

Winston joined Gloucestershire Police in January 2022.

Police said his offending was committed while off duty and he was arrested and suspended as soon as his offences came to light in October 2022, and he resigned in February 2023.

The court was told Winston's internet history indicated an interest in degrading and punishing through sexual abuse.

Investigating officer Det Sgt Ed Garlick said: "Winston subjected both women to unimaginable harm, and although no sentence changes his horrific actions, I hope they find some comfort in knowing that by bravely coming forward, they have stopped his ability to harm anyone else."

"I commend both women for their courage in working with us, following this case through to court and giving evidence in front of a jury," he added.

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