Former Dorset Police officer Ravi Canhye jailed for sex offences including rape

“THERE is no place in Dorset Police for those who commit sexual offences,” the force’s deputy chief said after a former officer was jailed for eight sex offences, including two rapes.

Ravi Canhye was a serving constable when he committed the rapes, an attempted rape, three assaults by penetration against one woman and one assault by touching against a second woman.

Both women were known to him.

Following an eight-day trial, a Winchester Crown Court jury found the 47-year-old from Poole guilty of all offences, which took place during a weekend in April 2022, when he was off duty.

Sentenced to 16-and-a-half years behind bars for the “abhorrent” attacks, Canhye resigned as an officer on the same day. He had been suspended since the offences came to light.

He will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register.

Speaking after both the conviction and sentencing, temporary Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell praised the “truly remarkable women” who came forward.

“PC Canhye has behaved in a way that is clearly criminal and utterly unacceptable, especially when bearing in mind the trust the public should be able to have in him as a member of the police service,” she said.

“There is no place in Dorset Police for those who commit sexual offences.

“I understand that these crimes will cause concern for our community and the fact that they were committed by a police officer is even more abhorrent.

“We are determined to root out officers who commit such offences as well as domestic abuse or show discriminatory, abusive or misogynistic behaviours.”

Ms Farrell sought to reassure the public that Canhye did not represent the thousands of officers in Dorset and elsewhere, who sought to catch criminals and support victims.

“I hope the investigation and sentence helps give assurance to victims of sexual abuse that we will do all we can to investigate offences, support victims and work with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to ensure offenders are brought to justice – no matter who the perpetrator is,” she continued.

“Dorset Police has trained detectives with additional qualifications and skills as investigators of rape and serious sexual abuse.

“We also have a team of specially-trained officers who work alongside victims by supporting them through the entire investigation and court process.”

The deputy chief constable highlighted Dorset’s participation in the nationwide Op Soteria programme.

This works to enhance how police, CPS and other criminal justice partners collaborate to support rape victims and gather intelligence and evidence.

She also paid tribute to the entire investigation team and specialist support services that worked on the case against Canhye.

“The investigation was robust and fearless in enabling the CPS to present a strong case to the court and enable the jury to reach their verdict,” Ms Farrell said.

“I know the victims are grateful for the support they have received from the team.”

She added: “Dorset Police has developed channels to enable our staff and officers to report issues in a safe, confidential and supportive environment, and be confident their concerns are quickly and robustly investigated.”

Victims of rape or sexual assault wishing to report directly to the police can call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially trained officer. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre can also be called on 0800 970 9954.

Concerns about any member of the force can be reported by calling 101 or emailing countercorruptionunit.dorset@dorset.pnn.police.uk

Corruption can also be reported online at dorset.police.uk/contact/report-police-corruption

People can also contact the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) via policeconduct.gov.uk or Crimestoppers anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.