Ex-police officer guilty of raping sleeping woman

A former student police officer has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women while they slept.

Craig Winston, 36, who worked for Gloucestershire Police, was found guilty of multiple offences by a jury at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Wednesday.

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 woman.

Det Sgt Ed Garlick said Winston had committed the "reprehensible acts" against two women, "some when they were either sleeping or when he believed they were sleeping".

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

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

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 resigned from the force in February 2023.

Det Sgt Ed Garlick said an examination of Winston's electronic devices uncovered a "disturbing interest in abhorrent sexual acts" which he "sickeningly" coerced and manipulated one of his victims to take part in.

Commending both victims, he added they had shown "incredible patience and bravery".

The force said it would begin misconduct proceedings to ensure Winston would be barred from future policing work.

Dept Ch Con Katy Barrow-Grint said: "I am deeply shocked at the heinous crimes committed by Craig Winston while he was a serving police officer."

Winston was bailed and is due to be sentenced at the same court on 6 February.

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