Dorset policeman who raped friend is jailed for more than 16 years

A "predatory" police officer has been jailed for 16 and a half years for "abusing his position of trust" by violently raping a friend and sexually assaulting a second woman.

Pc Ravi Canhye, who served Dorset Police, was convicted of two charges of rape, one count of attempted rape and three charges of assault of penetration, and a charge of sexual assault against the second woman.

The trial at Winchester Crown Court heard that the 47-year-old from Poole slapped and mauled the first victim before pinning her down and raping her while verbally abusing her.

He then threatened to abuse her with his truncheon and a vodka bottle, the court was told.

Jailing Canhye, Judge Jane Miller told him that the first victim was subjected to "a persistent, degrading and truly overwhelming episode of sexual and physical humiliation".

She added: "Your behaviour was predatory, selfish and uncaring towards these two women."

The judge continued: "Your being a serving police officer is an aggravating feature, your status means your victims placed a level of trust in you."

The judge also issued a restraining order against Canhye, placed him on the sex offenders register and made him subject to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) requiring him to notify the police of any future sexual relationship.

"I trusted him as a friend, I also trusted him because he was a police officer"

Sarah Jones KC, prosecuting, told the jury that Canhye had "span out of control" after drinking heavily which "changed or disinhibited" him and he behaved like an "animal".

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the first victim said that she was no longer a "happy and confident" person as a result of the attack.

She said that she felt "shame and embarrassment" and isolated from her friends and she suffered from anxiety, nightmares and flashbacks.

She added she was "battered and bruised" after the incident and said: "The indignity of it was almost unbearable."

The second victim said she was shocked that Canhye was a police officer and added: "I couldn't believe someone who behaved like that could be one, he has abused his position of trust."

She added that she felt "frightened to leave my home".

Describing the incident in April 2022, the prosecutor said the first victim had become frightened and obeyed his orders.

Ms Jones said: "It came to a point where, she says, every time he was being too rough, when he was hurting her, that was exciting him and that made him worse at what he did."

She added: "She considered he was behaving like an animal and that she considered him to be behaving like an animal seemed to drive him on more."

Giving evidence, the first complainant said: "He was a friend, I liked him, very polite, very courteous towards me, I trusted him as a friend, I also trusted him because he was a police officer. I did have some feelings but I didn't vocalise them."

The sexual assault against the second victim happened on the following day when the pair returned to the defendant's home out of concern for his wellbeing because of his heavy drinking.

Dorset Police has confirmed that Canhye, who had been in public service for more than 20 years, was suspended after the allegations were made and faces misconduct proceedings.

The court heard that the defendant moved from Mauritius to work in psychiatric health before he became a special police officer and then joined the Metropolitan Police in 2009, before moving to the Dorset force.

James Newton-Price, defending, said that Canhye had resigned from the force and added:

"The outcome is devastating for Mr Canhye, not only in relation to his good name but his career."

He added: "He would not have behaved as he did other than for his heavy alcohol consumption."

Mr Canhye resigned as a Dorset Police officer today (Thursday 5 October)

"He does not represent the many thousands of police officers in Dorset and elsewhere"

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell, of Dorset Police, said:

“I want to start by paying testament to the victims and thank them for having the courage to come forward and report what happened to them, supporting our investigation and showing real strength throughout the court process. They are truly remarkable women.

“Every police officer is entrusted by the public with a unique position in upholding the law and protecting vulnerable people. This position must come with the highest expectations of behaviour and conduct.

“The offences for which Ravi Canhye has been convicted and sentenced are truly abhorrent. Whilst these offences were not committed when he was on duty, I fully appreciate the fact he was a serving police officer will shock and concern our communities.

“He does not represent the many thousands of police officers in Dorset and elsewhere, who work tirelessly day in day out to catch criminals support victims and serve their communities.

“As soon as the victims made their report to police, Ravi Canhye was suspended from duty and he has remained suspended since.

“I hope the investigation and sentence helps give assurance to victims of sexual abuse that we will do all we can to investigate offences, support victims and work with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to ensure offenders are brought to justice – no matter who the perpetrator is.

“Dorset Police has trained detectives with additional qualifications and skills as investigators of rape and serious sexual abuse.

“We also have a team of specially-trained officers who work alongside victims by supporting them through the entire investigation and court process. We have been part of the national Op Soteria programme, which aims to enhance the way the police, CPS and other criminal justice partners work together to support victims of rape and gather and present, intelligence and evidence in respect of perpetrators.

“I want to recognise the entire investigation team including the police officers, CPS lawyers and prosecutors and the specialist support services for their dedicated hard work on this case.

“The investigation was robust and fearless in enabling the CPS to present a strong case to the court and enable the jury to reach their verdict. I know the victims are grateful for the support they have received from the team.

“There is no place in our police service for officers or staff who commit offences of violence towards women and girls and we will simply not tolerate violent, misogynistic or sexualised behaviour. We are determined to root out those who do not uphold the highest standards and adhere to our values.

“Dorset Police has developed channels to enable our staff and officers to report issues in a safe, confidential and supportive environment, and be confident their concerns are quickly and robustly investigated.

“We would also urge any victims of serious sexual assault to contact us and reassure them of the seriousness of how we will approach their reports and the support they will be given.”

Ravi Canhye will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register.

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