Police officer found guilty of raping woman

A West Yorkshire Police officer has been found guilty of raping a woman.

PC Joe Lavender, who was working in the Leeds district at the time of his suspension, assaulted the woman in 2002, prior to him joining the force in 2005.

Lavender, 45, of Castleford, was found guilty by a jury at York Crown Court earlier and was bailed ahead of sentencing on 3 November.

West Yorkshire Police said it would continue with misconduct proceedings to "ensure PC Lavender is barred from working in any role in policing in the future".

Det Ch Supt Tanya Wilkins, head of the Professional Standards Directorate, said: "The victim has lived with the trauma of what PC Lavender did to her for two decades before coming forward to report this offence in 2024.

"I would like to express my admiration for the bravery she has shown. I do not underestimate the courage it takes to report something like this, and even more so knowing that by that time the man responsible was a police officer."

Wilkins added: "If anyone has been a victim of rape or any other sexual offence, I would urge them to please report it.

"Please know that we will listen and we will act. It doesn't matter who the perpetrator is or where they may work."

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