Harrogate police officer, 27, sexually assaulted a woman in a hotel room after pulling her out of bed by her hair
- PC Joseph McCabe, of the North York Police Department, convicted of assault in hotel
A police officer has been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman after pulling her hair out of bed.
PC Joseph McCabe, 27, escaped prison when he was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, at York Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
The officer from Harrogate is currently suspended, North Yorkshire Police said. Police added that an expedited misconduct hearing “will now be considered at a future date.”
The court heard that McCabe and the victim, who knew each other, shared a hotel room after a social event last summer.
The victim described how McCabe picked her up at night and put her on his bed and stroked her arm.
She returned to her own bed, but later McCabe pulled her hair with such force that she fell out of bed. He also yelled several times at the victim to get into bed with him.
PC Joseph McCabe (pictured) has been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman after pulling her out of bed by her hair
McCabe, 27, escaped prison when he was sentenced to six months’ jail, with 24 months’ probation, at York Magistrates’ Court yesterday (pictured)
After the allegation came to light, McCabe was interviewed and subsequently charged.
In addition to the suspended sentence, McCabe, who denied the charges, was also given a three-year restraining order and required to complete rehabilitation programs.
After the verdict, Deputy Chief Constable Mabs Hussain said: “Our communities need to know that they can have complete confidence in their police and that we demand the highest level of integrity from our officers and employees.
McCabe’s outrageous actions fell well below that standard. I commend the victim for her courage in stepping forward so that we could take action. I also hope that the case sends a clear message that there is no place for this behavior in the police force – and that we will bring justice to the perpetrators, no matter who they are.”