Former police officer found guilty of sexual assaults against two women
Craig Winston, 36, was found guilty of raping one women and sexually assaulting another
Last updated 19th Dec 2025
A former student police officer who worked for Gloucestershire Police has been found guilty of raping one women and sexually assaulting another.
Craig Winston, 36, was found guilty by a jury at Shrewsbury Crown Court 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.
Gloucestershire Police said the offences were committed while Winston was off duty.
He was also 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."
Police said Winston had been a student officer based in the Forest of Dean, 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.
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.”
Winston was bailed by the court and is due to be sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on 6 February 2026.