Leeds police officer found guilty of historic rape of woman 24 years ago
He is due to be sentenced on November 3
A Leeds police officer has been found guilty of the rape of a woman.
PC Jo Lavender, aged 45, who was working in Leeds District at the point of his suspension, was found guilty following a trial at York Crown Court of one count of rape.
He is due to be sentenced on November 3.
The victim came forward in December 2024 to report the offence which occurred in 2002, prior to PC Lavender joining West Yorkshire Police in 2005.
Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins, Head of West Yorkshire Police’s 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.
“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.
“Following this court case, we will now continue with misconduct proceedings to ensure PC Lavender is barred from working in any role in policing in the future.”