A ‘predatory’ Sex Offender Dorset police officer, Mauritius born PC Ravi Canhye, was sentenced to over 16 years in prison today for the horrific rape of a friend and the sexual abuse of a second lady.
PC Ravi Canhye, formerly of Dorset Police, was found guilty of two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and three counts of assault by penetration. He was additionally charged with sexual assault involving a second woman.
Winchester Crown Court was informed that the 47-year-old individual, Ravi Canhye, originally from Mauritius, assaulted the first victim by slapping and mauling her before restraining and raping her.
He subjected her to verbal abuse and, at one juncture, compelled her to silence by forcing his fist into her mouth to quell her entreaties for him to desist. It was stated in court that Ravi Canhye experienced ‘power and gratification’ and ‘delighted in witnessing her revulsion, misery, and disappointment.’
The brutal assault occurred when the victim was at his residence in Poole, Dorset, during his off-duty period over the weekend spanning April 8 to 11, 2022.
Ravi Canhye encountered the victim in October 2021. He informed her that they harboured mutual feelings on the initial evening and engaged in consensual intercourse.
Prosecutor Sarah Jones KC stated that his demeanour altered the subsequent morning, leading Ravi Canhye to assault his victim in the kitchen prior to raping her.
She stated that he became ‘out of control’ after consuming excessive alcohol, which ‘altered or disinhibited him’. The court heard that he acted in a manner akin to a ‘beast.’
Ravi Canhye allegedly threatened to assault his victim with a truncheon and a vodka bottle, according to court testimony. Ravi Canhye, who refuted the allegations, asserted that the sexual encounter was consensual.
Prosecutor Jones stated: ‘He acted according to his own desires.’ He was so consumed by his own needs and aspirations that he perceived both her and her companion as mere objects to exploit and mistreat.
She asserts that there reached a juncture where his excessive roughness and infliction of pain exhilarated him, exacerbating his behaviour.
She remarked that she perceived his behaviour as animalistic, and this perception seems to further motivate him.
The victim, striving to manage her emotions while testifying, stated that she ‘trusted him since he was a police officer’.
She stated that she was ‘terrified and genuinely fearful’ and that he was ‘hostile and coercive.’
In a victim impact statement presented in court on her behalf, she reported experiencing anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks.
She stated she was ‘battered and bruised’ following the assault and remarked: ‘The indignity of it was nearly intolerable.’
She sustained severe bruises due to his ‘manhandling,’ resulting in some intimate areas of her body becoming discoloured.
The girl stated that she withdrew from friends after the assault and experienced suicide thoughts.
Judge Jane Miller stated that she endured ‘a continuous, demeaning, and profoundly overwhelming experience of sexual and physical humiliation.’
She informed Ravi Canhye: ‘Your position as a working police officer is an aggravating factor; your rank implies that your victims entrusted you to a significant degree.’
The public ought to anticipate elevated standards from a police officer.
Ravi Canhye has been registered as a sex offender and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order mandating him to inform the police of any future sexual contacts.
A restraining order has also been obtained against him.
The sexual assault of the second victim occurred the subsequent day when the duo returned to the defendant’s residence due to concerns for his welfare stemming from his excessive alcohol consumption.
He attacked her as she was seated on his sofa.
The second victim expressed her astonishment that Ravi Canhye was a police officer.
“I was astonished that an individual exhibiting such behaviour could hold that position; he has exploited his trust. I feel apprehensive about leaving my home,” she stated.
Dorset Police has verified that Ravi Canhye, a public servant for almost 20 years, was suspended following the claims and is subject to misconduct procedures.
Ravi Canhye relocated from Mauritius to pursue a career in psychiatric health prior to becoming a special police officer and subsequently joining the Metropolitan Police in 2009. Subsequently, he transferred to Dorset Police.
In 2009, he received a National Policing Award as a Special Constable in Ealing, West London, for his efforts in identifying individuals with mental health concerns.
James Newton-Price, representing the defence, stated that Ravi Canhye had resigned from the police force and remarked: ‘The result is catastrophic for Mr. Ravi Canhye, affecting both his reputation and his career.’
He stated that his behaviour was solely because to his excessive alcohol usage.
Dorset Police Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell expressed gratitude to the victims for their bravery in reporting these egregious crimes and for their support of the investigation, as well as for the resilience they demonstrated during the judicial proceedings.
I aspire that this conveys to all victims of sexual abuse our commitment to thoroughly investigate incidents and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, while also providing help to the victims.
We have presented this case to the court owing to the comprehensive investigation carried out by our skilled detectives, and I wish to acknowledge their efforts, together with the assistance provided by our expert officers to the victims.
PC Ravi Canhye has exhibited conduct that is unequivocally criminal and entirely intolerable, particularly considering the faith the public ought to place in him as a member of the police force.
Dorset Police does not tolerate anyone who perpetrate sexual offences.
I recognise that these offences will elicit apprehension throughout our society, and the involvement of a police officer renders them even more reprehensible.
We are resolute in eliminating police who perpetrate offences, including domestic abuse, or exhibit racist, abusive, or misogynistic tendencies.
I anticipate that a vigorous response to allegations of violence against women by police officers or personnel will convey a powerful message to the public regarding our standards and principles, hence enhancing trust in our handling of all allegations.
‘Our distinct capabilities and obligations necessitate that we adhere to the utmost standards.’
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