Northants police officer found guilty of sexually assaulting two women at Wellingborough house party
A Northamptonshire police officer has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women.
PC Gareth Middleton, a response officer based in Kettering, was at a house party in Wellingborough in 2021 at which the women were guests.
He was subsequently charged with two counts of sexual assault and at the end of a four-day trial at Leicester Crown Court on Friday, November 28, he was found guilty by the jury on both charges.
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.”
The incident took place on August 27, 2021, when 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 while an investigation took place.
During the course of that investigation a second woman came forward, telling officers that PC Middleton had approached her while she was dancing at the same house party and touched her inappropriately.
The offence was captured on video by the woman’s boyfriend.
PC Middleton will be sentenced at the same court on December 19.
Northamptonshire Police will now proceed with accelerated gross misconduct proceedings.