Serving Dorset Police officer charged with rape and other sexual offences

A serving officer with Dorset Police has been charged with eight sexual offences, including two charges of rape.

Constable Ravi Canhye, 46, will appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Friday following the charges.

The rape charges relate to two women and allegedly took place while the officer was off duty in early 2022, Dorset Police said.

The force added that Canhye was suspended at the time the allegations were made.

A Dorset Police spokesman said on Monday: “A serving Dorset Police officer is to appear in court charged with rape.

“Police Constable Ravi Canhye, aged 46, was charged with offences on Tuesday 24 January 2023 and will appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Friday 3 February 2023 charged with eight sexual offences including two charges of rape.

“The charges relate to offences against two women committed while Ravi Canhye was off-duty during early 2022.

“Ravi Canhye was immediately suspended at the time the allegations were made and has remained suspended throughout the investigation.”

The spokesman added: “The matter was subject of a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who has decided it should be subject to a local investigation by Dorset Police.

“We understand that charges of this nature will quite rightfully cause concern within our communities.

“However, due to the ongoing legal proceedings, we are prevented from commenting on this matter any further at this time.”

Last week, the Met Police commissioner said around two to three criminal cases against officers were expected to go to court every week in the coming months following the charges against PC David Carrick.

PC Carrick, who was revealed to be one of Britain’s most prolific sex offenders after admitting 49 criminal charges, including 24 counts of rape. was first arrested back in October.

The charges relate to the rape of nine different women, but some are multiple incident counts, meaning they cover more than 80 sexual offences, including at least 48 rapes.

Earlier this month, two retired Met officers were with offences related to the possession of images showing child sex abuse.

The charges were part of an investigation into a serving chief inspector who was found dead before he was charged.

Source:   news.sky.com