A serving West Yorkshire Police officer has received an immediate custodial sentence of seven years at York Crown Court after being found guilty of raping a woman in an offence dating back more than 20 years.
PC Jo Lavender, 45, who was based within Leeds District at the time of his operational suspension, appeared in the dock for sentence on Tuesday 3 November 2026 following a contested jury trial.
The prosecution arose from an incident that took place in 2002. The court heard that Lavender had initially joined West Yorkshire Police as a member of police staff earlier that year, subsequently qualifying and serving as a sworn police officer from 2005 onwards.
The survivor carried the psychological trauma of the assault for over two decades before formally reporting the crime to West Yorkshire Police in December 2024. Detectives from the force’s Professional Standards Directorate conducted a thorough investigation, culminating in a Crown Prosecution Service decision to authorise a charge of rape.
Lavender contested the charge, but on 19 October 2026, a jury at York Crown Court returned a unanimous guilty verdict against him.
In a Victim Personal Statement read to the court prior to sentencing, the complainant described the long-term emotional and psychological toll of the offending:
“I can say knowing that I was believed gave me a sense of relief and that someone confirmed what had happened to me was wrong did help me. The offence happened over 20 years ago and has had a huge impact on my life. I have felt so low that someone would choose their own self gratification over my wellbeing. This is something that I have struggled to deal with over the years.”
She also paid tribute to the investigating team, stating: “I would like to express my gratitude to DC 1631 Devonshire and West Yorkshire Police for working so hard to make sure I received the justice for what has lived with me for such a long time.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins, Head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, stated:
“Today’s sentencing reflects the seriousness of PC Lavender’s offending. His actions were a gross abuse of trust and are wholly incompatible with the values and standards expected of those who serve the public. I hope that the victim feels that justice has been served. It is her courage and resilience that has helped ensure he has been held accountable for his actions. West Yorkshire Police remains committed to tackling violence and sexual violence against women and girls, holding offenders to account, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. There is no place in policing for individuals who commit such offences and misconduct proceedings will now follow.”
Following trial proceedings, Lavender was convicted of:
One count of rape
Under the provisions of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, the complainant is protected by mandatory, lifelong statutory anonymity. Any publication, broadcast, or public dissemination of information capable of leading to her identification is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Sentencing Lavender at York Crown Court, the presiding judge ordered him to serve an immediate prison term of seven years.
The judge also made Lavender subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and ordered that he comply with statutory notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely. West Yorkshire Police confirmed that internal gross misconduct proceedings will now take place to ensure Lavender is formally dismissed and placed on the College of Policing Barred List.
Image – Offender Custody Photograph
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