CLIVE GARTON, FORMER KENT POLICE SERGEANT, STRIPPED OF RANK AFTER GUILTY VERDICT IN SITTINGBOURNE
Clive Garton, a 56-year-old former police sergeant from Sittingbourne, has been dismissed from his rank following his conviction on serious criminal charges.Garton, who served with Kent Police for 23 years, was sentenced in June to 16 years in prison after being found guilty of rape, stalking, and perverting the course of justice.
The court heard that Garton approached his victim while she sat on the stairs and committed rape despite her repeated pleas for him to stop.
The victim also described enduring years of stalking and controlling behaviour by Garton, including efforts to track her mobile phone to monitor her whereabouts.
During the trial at Lewes Crown Court in May, the jury was informed that Garton attempted to track his victim's phone even while on bail related to the offences.
Garton claimed that the victim had consented to sex, but admitted to installing listening devices in her home.
He told officers that he could dial into these devices to listen to her.
Following these revelations, a special case hearing was held at Kent Police Headquarters on November 12 on Sutton Road, Maidstone.
During this hearing, the police panel formally removed Garton's police title.
The investigation uncovered that Garton had been accused in October 2016 of raping a woman and attempting to dissuade her from reporting the crime.
It was also revealed that he previously harassed the victim and installed listening devices in her residence.
In response to the case, Superintendent Nick Gossett emphasised the integrity of most officers, stating, "The vast majority of Kent Police officers act with utmost integrity and represent a force that the public should have confidence in." He further added, "In this rare instance, an officer has been found guilty of serious offences, and the force did not hesitate to make an immediate arrest and pursue a comprehensive case.
When wrongdoing is reported, we enforce strict measures.
Our Professional Standards Department conducts thorough investigations and ensures transparency so the public can continue to trust their police service."
