Police Officer Stuart Mines Jailed for Eight Years After Raping Woman He Met Online

A police officer who raped a woman he met on a dating website has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

PC Stuart Mines, 49, was off-duty when the attack occurred at his home in Devon in October 2022. Following his conviction by a jury at Exeter Crown Court, Mines was dismissed from Devon and Cornwall Police after more than two decades of service.

In her victim impact statement, the woman described enduring severe mental trauma as a result of the rape, which has prevented her from working. She expressed feeling worthless and violated by Mines' actions, stating that he had "ripped my confidence away." She further detailed how the incident triggered panic and nausea whenever she encounters police officers or vehicles, serving as a constant reminder of the assault.

The victim shared her profound disappointment in Mines, highlighting his betrayal of trust as a police officer who should embody integrity, respect, empathy, courage, fairness, and accountability. She emphasized that he had violated not only the law but also the moral expectations placed upon men in positions of authority.

Defense attorney Kelly Scrivener stated that Mines found prison life challenging due to his previous profession, noting that media coverage of the trial verdict led to fellow inmates recognizing him as a former police officer. This recognition resulted in threats and negative comments, requiring ongoing management by prison staff.

Sentencing Mines to eight years imprisonment, Judge Stephen Climie acknowledged the profound impact of the rape on the victim's life, stating that it had caused her significant harm. The judge emphasized that Mines' actions as a police officer amplified the severity of the offense, as he was expected to embody the very qualities he betrayed.

The judge also placed Mines on the sex offenders register for life and issued an indefinite restraining order prohibiting any contact with his victim. He stressed that this conviction should not tarnish the reputation of the police force as a whole, emphasizing the integrity and professionalism demonstrated by most officers within Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.