An ex-student police officer has been jailed for raping a woman and sexually assaulting another while they were asleep, causing “unimaginable harm”. One of the survivors described Craig Winston, 36, who worked for Gloucestershire Police, as a “selfish, twisted, depraved bully” in a statement in court, where he was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
Shrewsbury Crown Court was told his sickening internet history indicated an interest in degrading and punishing through sexual abuse. The jury heard that Winston had also researched sexually assaulting people who were drugged or unconscious, and what effects various drugs would have on them. One victim who read a statement in court said Winston threatened her not to report him, stating that she would lose everything and that his career would be jeopardized, which he said would be all her fault.
She added: “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.”
A statement read to court on behalf of the other victim said: “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. I am indescribably relieved now that this process is over, and I can begin to move on with my life.”
He was sentenced to 17 years on February 6 after a jury found him guilty of multiple offenses on December 17 at Shrewsbury Crown Court.
Four offenses were against one woman. The offenses were 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.
He was also found guilty of one count of sexual assault by penetration relating to another woman. The student officer in the Forest of Dean was found not guilty of four other counts. The court heard that Winston committed the crimes while he was off-duty.
Investigating officer Det Sgt Ed Garlick said: “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.”
He added: “I commend both women for their courage in working with us, following this case through to court and giving evidence in front of a jury.”
Winston joined Gloucestershire Police in January 2022. He was arrested and suspended from duty as soon as the allegations came to light in October 2022 and he resigned from the Constabulary in February 2023.
His Honor Judge Anthony Lowe told Winston he must serve at least two-thirds of his jail term before being released on license. He was also served a 20-year restraining order to protect both women.