Disgraced Officer Jailed: Off-Duty Rape Shakes Public Trust

A former West Yorkshire police officer, PC Ben Bottomley, 23, has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of raping a woman while off-duty and sexually assaulting another while he was a student officer. The shocking case has sparked renewed concerns about the conduct of officers and the critical importance of public trust in law enforcement.

Bottomley received a four-year sentence for the rape charge and one year for sexual assault by penetration at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve a total of five years. He will also be subject to the requirements of the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The court heard that the rape occurred before Bottomley joined the police force, while the sexual assault took place during his time as a student officer. Both serious offences were reported to the authorities after he had become a serving police officer.

Upon the commencement of the investigation in June 2023 by West Yorkshire Police's Professional Standards Directorate, Bottomley was immediately suspended from duty. His conviction in April paved the way for Wednesday's sentencing.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins emphasized the gravity of the allegations made against a serving officer. "These were extremely serious allegations to be made against a serving police officer and he was immediately suspended from duty when the investigation commenced in June 2023," she stated.

Wilkins commended the victim for her bravery in coming forward, acknowledging the additional challenges she may have faced in reporting crimes committed by someone in policing. "The victim has shown immense courage in coming forward to report these offences. We do not underestimate how hard it is to report such offending in any circumstances but understand that there may also be additional concerns when the perpetrator works in policing," she added.

The prosecution and subsequent conviction, Wilkins hopes, will reassure the public that action will be taken against offenders regardless of their profession. "I hope the investigation and subsequent prosecution show that police and partners will take action, regardless of the occupation of the offender," she said.

West Yorkshire Police has reiterated its commitment to protecting women from violence. "We are committed to protecting women from violence and sexual violence," Wilkins affirmed. "PC Bottomley has demonstrated a disregard for the victim’s right to consent and, in addition to any custodial sentence he is given, he will now be subject to extra conditions on him as a convicted sex offender.”

A misconduct hearing for Ben Bottomley is scheduled for next month. The hearing will review his conduct with a view to formally banning him from policing, ensuring he can never again serve in a position of public trust within law enforcement.