A former student officer of Gloucestershire Police has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offences against two women. Craig Winston, aged 36, was found guilty of raping one woman twice and sexually assaulting another while they slept. The verdict came following a trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court that concluded in December 2023.
Winston faced serious charges, including two counts of rape, one count of causing a female to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity, and one count of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour. In total, he was convicted of four offences against one woman and one count of sexual assault by penetration regarding another victim. The crimes occurred while he was off-duty, and the jury acquitted him of four additional counts.
During the sentencing on February 6, 2024, His Honour Judge Anthony Lowe mandated that Winston must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for release. Judge Lowe also imposed a 20-year restraining order to protect the victims.
Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Winston had conducted online research related to sexual assault, specifically targeting individuals who were drugged or unconscious. His internet history suggested a troubling interest in degrading and punishing women through sexual abuse.
One of the survivors addressed the court directly, describing Winston as a “selfish, twisted, depraved bully.” She recounted how he had threatened her with severe consequences should she report his actions, claiming her accusations would jeopardize his police career. She stated, “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.”
Another victim expressed relief at the conclusion of the legal proceedings, stating, “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.”
The defence argued that Winston had a relatively clean past and suffered from a challenging childhood, which may have influenced his behaviour. They contended that the impact of imprisonment on him would be significant.
Detective Sergeant Ed Garlick, who led the investigation, acknowledged the challenges faced by victims of sexual abuse when coming forward, particularly when the perpetrator is a police officer. He remarked, “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.”
The case began after allegations were made against Winston in October 2022, shortly after he joined the police service in January 2022. He was arrested and suspended from duty immediately. Following the investigation by Gloucestershire Police’s Criminal Investigation Department, charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint expressed her shock at Winston’s crimes, particularly given his status as a student police officer. She praised the survivors for their courage, stating, “There is absolutely no place in policing for someone like him, and we will now begin misconduct proceedings against him to ensure his name is placed on the police barred list.”
Gemma Kneebone, a Senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, highlighted the thorough investigation that led to Winston’s conviction. She credited the bravery of the two women for providing the crucial evidence that supported the prosecution’s case.
For those affected by sexual violence, support is available regardless of whether they choose to pursue legal action. In Gloucestershire, organisations like First Light offer Independent Sexual Violence Advisors to assist victims. Resources can also be found through the Survivor Pathway, which provides information on support services throughout the South West.
Individuals who wish to report sexual offences are encouraged to contact emergency services or local police through designated reporting channels.
