In 2009, the Offender Database reported that Alec Alexander, then 62, of Hessle, East Riding of Yorkshire, lost his appeal against a conviction for raping his daughter. Alexander, a former divisional commander at Humberside Police, appeared at the Court of Appeal in London, where judges rejected his claims of an unfair trial.
The investigation established that Alexander first sexually assaulted his daughter when she was seven years old, eventually raping her in 1992 when she was 17. Following a trial in 2008, he was found guilty of rape, indecent assault, and taking an indecent picture of her. The prosecution reported that Alexander was a serving chief superintendent during the time of the offences, “viciously” abusing the trust inherent in his role as a father and a high-ranking police officer.
Judicial Findings and Appeal Dismissal
The court reported that Alexander brought the appeal on the basis that “bad character” evidence relating to 17 separate indecency offences was prejudicial to his trial. However, Lord Justice Maurice Kay emphasised that the trial judge reached a permissible and appropriate conclusion regarding all aspects of fairness. The judges were satisfied that the balancing exercise conducted at the original hearing was correct and that the 10-year custodial sentence would stand.
Det Supt Dena Fleming of Humberside Police emphasised that Alexander was in the “only place” for a man who had “dreadfully” failed his duty to protect his child. The prosecution noted that the daughter, who waived her right to anonymity, had gone through a “terrible” ordeal and was forced to relive it during the appeal process. The judge noted that the experience had left a permanent and “dreadful” mark on her life and the lives of her family.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Hessle, East Riding of Yorkshire, Alec Alexander was subject to:
- Custodial Sentence: 10 years in immediate custody (upheld on appeal).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were imposed for life.
- Conviction: Found guilty of rape, indecent assault, and 17 counts of taking/possessing indecent images.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Alexander is managed under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Humberside Police. His history as a former divisional commander who used his status to hide his “abhorrent” crimes means his status remains under “critical” scrutiny.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Alexander must comply with notification requirements regarding his residence in Hessle. Authorities state that his background in the police force and the “vile” nature of his digital material and physical assaults necessitate “stringent” oversight. Any breach of his registration conditions or his licence terms following his eventual release from prison will result in his immediate return to Hull Crown Court.
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