Former student police officer convicted of sexual assaults against two women

A 36-year-old man has been found guilty of raping one women and sexually assaulting another.

Craig Winston, a former Gloucestershire Police officer, had been on trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court since 4 December.

On Wednesday (17 December) a jury found him guilty of four offences against one woman – two counts of rape, one count of causing a female to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity and one count of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour – and one count of sexual assault by penetration relating to another woman.

The offences were committed off duty.

He was found not guilty of four other counts.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Ed Garlick said: “Craig Winston committed reprehensible acts against two women, some when they were either sleeping or when he believed they were sleeping.

“An examination of his electronic devices uncovered a disturbing interest in abhorrent sexual acts and sickeningly, he coerced and manipulated one of his victims to take part in some of these acts.

“Both victims should be commended for their courage in coming forward to report these matters against a serving police officer.

“They have continued to show incredible patience and bravery, working with us throughout and both attending court to give their evidence in front of the jury.

“I would also like to thank the various witnesses who gave evidence, many of whom came from all over the country to do so.”

Winston had been a student officer based in the Forest of Dean. He was arrested and suspended from duty as soon as the allegations came to light in October 2022 and resigned from the Constabulary in February 2023.

At the time the allegations were made he was still in his probationary period having joined the Constabulary in January 2022.

The Force referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the IOPC returned it to the Force to investigate.

The case was then investigated by Gloucestershire Police's Criminal Investigation Department with charges authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Winston was bailed by the court and he is due to be sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on 6 February 2026.

Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint said: “I am deeply shocked at the heinous crimes committed by Craig Winston while he was a serving police officer.

“The courage his victims have demonstrated over the past two years is commendable and I’d like to thank them for their assistance in helping us hold him accountable.

“There is absolutely no place in policing for someone like him and we will now begin misconduct proceedings against him to ensure his name is placed on the police barred list.

“I hope this case reassures the public we will not hesitate to investigate allegations of criminal wrongdoing by our officers and staff and bring them to justice.”

To report a rape or other sexual offences call 999 in an emergency, or report by calling 101 or online here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/ 

First Light provides support for all victims and survivors of sexual violence, for more information visit: https://www.firstlight.org.uk/

Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre also provide support for all victims and survivors of sexual violence, for more information visit: https://www.glosrasac.org/

Custody image of Winston provided by Gwent Police