Police officer found guilty of sex offences

A police officer has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women.

On August 27, 2021, PC Gareth Middleton, a response officer based in Kettering, attended a house party in Wellingborough.

During the course of the evening, PC Middleton sat next to a woman on the sofa and proceeded to touch her sexually.

Fearing for her safety, the woman excused herself and later reported the incident to Northamptonshire Police.

PC Middleton was suspended whilst an investigation took place.

During the course of that investigation, a second woman came forward, telling officers that PC Middleton had approached her whilst she was dancing at the same house party and touched her inappropriately. 

The offence was captured on video by the woman’s boyfriend which showed PC Middleton lifting her up with one of his hands on her right breast, after she told him to “do one”.

PC Middleton was subsequently charged with two counts of sexual assault and at the end of a four-day trial at Leicester Crown Court today (November 28), he was found guilty by the jury on both charges.

He will be sentenced at the same court on December 19.

Detective Chief Inspector Liz Basham said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank the two women in this case for their support throughout our investigation.

“They have shown immense bravery, patience and resilience, and I am grateful to them for putting their trust in us by reporting these offences and allowing us to root out this bad apple from our organisation.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for Northamptonshire Police. Women should feel safe to go out and attend parties without fearing that they will be sexually assaulted and we will always do everything we can to protect that right, without fear or favour.”

Northamptonshire Police will now proceed with accelerated gross misconduct proceedings.