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Officer Jailed For Rape

Sunday, 6 March 2022 14:24

A serving West Yorkshire Police officer has been found guilty of rape at Bradford Crown Court.

Ben Lister, a sergeant based in the Bradford District was convicted of the offence which took place while he was off duty in August 2016. 

Lister, 36, denied one count of rape and one count of sexual assault against his female victim. He was convicted by a jury on Friday 4th March 2022 and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.

The offences were reported to the police in 2020. Lister, who has served with West Yorkshire Police since 2007, has been suspended since he was charged with the offences in December 2020.

Detective Superintendent Mark Long of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate said: “I would like to praise the bravery and courage of the victim who came forward in this case. I hope this conviction demonstrates that no one is above the law.

“I would encourage anyone who has any similar concerns to come forward and report them, they can have the confidence that we will investigate and will take action. 

“I have no doubt that the serious criminal behaviour of one of our officers will leave colleagues as horrified as I am.

“West Yorkshire Police expects the highest standards of conduct and behaviour from its officers, whether they are on or off duty. This officer’s actions fell far below those standards. 

“It is a privilege to work for West Yorkshire Police and the vast majority of police officers, PCSOs and police staff recognise this.

“They work tirelessly to protect and serve the communities of this county and to safeguard vulnerable victims. We have all been let down by this officer.

“He still faces a misconduct case and we will be taking action to ensure our procedures will be concluded at the earliest opportunity.”

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