Former Turangi police officer Brian Wayne Scott was this morning jailed for four and a half years for sexually violating a woman in his custody.
Scott, aged 30, appeared for sentencing before Justice Paterson in the Rotorua High Court after he was found guilty last month of sexually violating a 19-year-woman by unlawful sexual connection in a cell block at the Turangi Police Station on January 28 this year.
Scott was also found guilty of indecently assaulting the woman.
The court had previously heard that after the woman was suspected of taking a $40 travel clock from a Turangi backpackers' hostel she was taken to the police station where Scott searched her, indecently touching her.
He then took her to a cell when he induced her to perform oral sex on him.
Rotorua Crown Solicitor John McDonald said Scott had abused his position as a police officer for the sole purpose of obtaining sexual gratification.
Scott had spent four and a half hours "playing mind games" with the woman which made her submit, Mr McDonald said. Scott's offending had affected the complainant's emotional state. She was depressed and blamed herself for what had happened. She has had thoughts of ending her life.
Scott's actions had tarnished the reputation of the police. People should expect a high level of professionalism from them and should be safe, Mr McDonald said.
Scott's lawyer Murray McKechnie said his behaviour was a "judgement lapse" and was not premeditated.
While Scott's actions reflected on the police to a degree, they have not damaged the police as a whole. Serving police officers were well aware this sort of behaviour was unacceptable.
Scott had not attempted to excuse himself and knew he should not have become involved.
"He has feelings of guilt for his conduct," Mr McKchnie said.
Scott was a dedicated police officer and had been awarded a bravery medal during his time in the police.
Justice Paterson said Scott had kept the woman in his custody for an excessive length of time.
"This was a gross breach of your responsibilities."
He accepted that Scott would face unusual difficulties during his prison term because he had been a police officer.
"I accept this was a devastating lapse of judgement," Justice Paterson said.
- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)
Former policeman jailed for sexually violating prisoner
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.