A 'predatory' police officer, Pc Ravi Canhye, has been sentenced to more than 16 years in prison for a series of violent sexual offences against two women, including a close friend, exploiting the trust they placed in him due to his role in law enforcement.
The offences occurred in April 2022. Canhye, aged 47 and from Poole, Dorset, first attacked his friend after a night of heavy drinking. According to court proceedings at Winchester Crown Court, he slapped and mauled her before pinning her down and raping her while verbally abusing her. He threatened to assault her further with his police truncheon and a vodka bottle. Prosecutor Sarah Jones KC described how Canhye 'spun out of control' due to alcohol, behaving like an 'animal' and becoming more excited by her distress, which escalated the violence. The victim, in her impact statement, recounted feeling 'battered and bruised', suffering from shame, anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks, and no longer feeling like her 'happy and confident' self.
- Canhye was convicted on two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, three counts of assault by penetration against the first victim.
- Additionally, he was found guilty of one count of sexual assault against a second woman the following day.
The second assault happened when the second victim and the first victim visited Canhye's home out of concern for his wellbeing after his heavy drinking. Canhye sexually assaulted the second woman, leaving her shocked and frightened, particularly given his position as a police officer. She stated in court: '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' as a result.
Judge Jane Miller, sentencing Canhye, described the attack on the first victim as 'a persistent, degrading and truly overwhelming episode of sexual and physical humiliation'. She emphasised: 'Your behaviour was predatory, selfish and uncaring towards these two women. Your being a serving police officer is an aggravating feature, your status means your victims placed a level of trust in you.' The judge imposed a 16-and-a-half-year custodial sentence, along with a restraining order, placement on the sex offenders register, and a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) requiring him to notify police of future sexual relationships.
Canhye, originally from Mauritius, had over 20 years in public service, starting in psychiatric health before becoming a special police officer, joining the Metropolitan Police in 2009, and later transferring to Dorset Police. He was suspended following the allegations and has since resigned. His defence, led by James Newton-Price, attributed the behaviour to heavy alcohol consumption, stating: 'He would not have behaved as he did other than for his heavy alcohol consumption.' Dorset Police confirmed he faces misconduct proceedings. The case was reported by The Independent on 13 November 2024.