Clive Garton

Clive Garton, a former sergeant with Kent Police from Sittingbourne, was convicted of rape and stalking after a series of manipulative and obsessive actions towards a woman over several years. The case came to light following a report in October 2016 when officers received information that Garton had raped the woman and attempted to dissuade her from reporting the crime to the police. Prior to the rape, Garton had engaged in harassment, including placing listening devices, or 'bugs', in the victim's home to track her conversations without her knowledge.

At Lewes Crown Court, the court heard how Garton manipulated the victim over a number of years, driven by what Judge Janet Waddicor described as 'obsessive sexual jealousy'. He would frequently appear unexpectedly in his police car wherever she went, claiming it was coincidental due to his work duties. In one incident detailed during the trial, Garton told the victim he was leaving her home but then raped her, highlighting the breach of trust and the predatory nature of his behaviour.

Garton, who had served in the force for 23 years, was jailed in June 2018. Judge Waddicor, during the sentencing hearing, emphasised the severity of his actions, stating that he had 'manipulated her over a number of years' and was 'consumed by obsessive sexual jealousy towards her'. The sentence comprised nine years for the rape and four years for the stalking, to run consecutively, totalling 13 years' imprisonment. Upon release, Garton will be subject to three years on licence.

Following his conviction, an internal hearing at Kent Police Headquarters in Maidstone led to Garton's official dismissal from the force. Superintendent Nick Gossett commented on the case, noting that the 'vast majority of officers act with utmost integrity' and affirming that when wrongdoing is reported against officers, 'there is no leeway given'. Kent Police's Professional Standards Department conducted a full investigation, arresting Garton promptly and building a case against him to maintain public trust in the service. This rare instance of an officer committing such serious offences underscores the force's commitment to transparency and accountability, as reported by the BBC on 26 June 2018.