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    09

    Jun 2022

    Last Updated: 09/06/2022
    Crime
    Crime

    Harrogate police officer pleads not guilty to sexual assault

    by Nick Towle

    | 09 Jun, 2022
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    Joseph McCabe, 27, of Starbeck, appeared in court this morning charged with sexual assault by touching.

    police-officer-stock

    A Harrogate police officer pleaded not guilty in court today after being charged with sexually assaulting a woman.

    Joseph McCabe, 27, of Starbeck, is currently suspended from duty as a North Yorkshire Police officer based in Harrogate.

    The officer appeared before York Magistrates Court this morning charged with sexual assault by touching. The case concerns an alleged incident at a North Yorkshire property last summer.

    Prosecutor Charlotte Dangerfield said Mr McCabe, was allegedly “trying to stroke” the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.


    It was also alleged that he was pulling at her hair, added Ms Dangerfield. She alleged that Mr McCabe was trying to have sex with the woman who was unwilling.


    The defendant's solicitor, Mr Hague, claimed the incident was “not sexual in nature” and added:

    "He [Mr McCabe] thought there was going to be sexual interaction (but) she rejected it and he respected that”.


    The magistrate questioned Mr Hague about the relationship between the defendant and the woman. Mr Hague responded and said:

    "It had been a friendship for sometime with regular friendly communication, just a typical workplace relationship."


    Mr McCabe is set to appear before York Magistrates Court again on October 11 and has been released on unconditional bail.




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