Former Kent Police Sergeant Stripped of Title After Rape Conviction

Clive Garton, 56, a former sergeant with Kent Police for 23 years, has been stripped of his title after being convicted of rape and stalking offences. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in June after a trial at Lewes Crown Court.

The court heard that Garton had raped his victim, who repeatedly pleaded for him to stop, while she was sitting on the stairs. The victim also testified that she had endured years of stalking and controlling behavior from Garton, including him tracking her mobile phone to monitor her whereabouts.

Garton was further found guilty of perverting the course of justice after attempting to track his victim's phone while on bail for the offences against her. He admitted to placing listening devices in her home, claiming he could dial in and listen to her.

Following a special case hearing at Kent Police HQ in Maidstone, Chief Constable Alan Pugshley revoked Garton's title. The panel heard evidence of the rape allegation, as well as allegations that Garton had harassed his victim and installed listening devices in her home, dating back to October 2016.

Superintendent Nick Gossett stated, "The vast majority of Kent Police officers act with utmost integrity and represent a force that the public should have confidence in. In this rare instance, an officer has been found guilty of committing serious offences, and the force did not hesitate in instantly making an arrest and building a case against him. When wrongdoing is reported against officers, there is no leeway given. Our Professional Standards Department will conduct a full investigation and present their findings in an open and transparent process to ensure that the public can rightfully have faith in their police service."