Mauritius-born Ravi Canhye, a police officer in the UK, has been described as “predatory” and has been sentenced to 16-and-a-half years in prison for his heinous crimes.
Canhye, 47, was found guilty of two counts of rape, one attempted rape, three counts of assault by penetration, and sexual assault. These disturbing incidents occurred over a weekend in April 2022.
Winchester Crown Court delivered the sentence, condemning Canhye’s actions as “selfish and uncaring” and a gross violation of the trust placed in him by his position.
During the trial, the jury learned that Canhye subjected his first victim to physical abuse, including slapping and mauling, before forcibly raping her.
In a statement presented to the court, the victim expressed how the attack had left her no longer feeling like a “happy and confident” person.
She shared that she grappled with feelings of shame, embarrassment, anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks. The physical and emotional toll of the assault left her feeling “battered and bruised,” with the ordeal’s indignity nearly unbearable.
The second victim revealed her shock upon learning that Canhye was a police officer, stating, “I couldn’t believe someone who behaved like that could be one; he has abused his position of trust.”
She added that she now felt “frightened to leave my home.”
Judge Jane Miller emphasized the severity of Canhye’s actions towards the first victim, describing it as “a persistent, degrading, and truly overwhelming episode of sexual and physical humiliation.”
She condemned his predatory, selfish, and uncaring behavior, noting that his status as a serving police officer exacerbated the betrayal of trust placed in him.
Dorset Police confirmed that Canhye, who had served in public service for over two decades, was suspended when the allegations surfaced and will face misconduct proceedings.
During the trial, the prosecution argued that Canhye’s behaviour had spiraled out of control due to heavy alcohol consumption, which had a significant impact, changing or disinhibiting his actions, leading him to behave like an “animal.”
James Newton-Price, defending, noted that Canhye had resigned from the force and suggested that his actions were largely influenced by excessive alcohol consumption.
Source: BBC
