Former Thames Valley policeman, 55, jailed for raping woman

Former Thames Valley policeman Nicholas Peel, 55, was based in Newbury but worked across West Berkshire.

He was found guilty of raping his victim four times and attempting to rape her again, following a trial at Salisbury Crown Court in March.

Between 2015 and 2020, Peel targeted the victim – a woman in her 50s who was known to him – several times.

The former police constable worked for the police force from November 1997 until he retired in December 2024.

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In a hearing on Monday, April 13 at Winchester Crown Court, Peel was sentenced to nine years in prison and handed a 10-year restraining order, stopping him from making contact with the victim.

The jury returned guilty verdicts after he appeared at Salisbury Crown Court on March 6.

He was guilty of committing four counts of rape and an attempt to rape a woman aged 16 or over.

Peel, now living in Essex, will also have to sign on to the Sex Offender’s Register indefinitely.

He was struck off from the force last year after he was found guilty of gross misconduct for abusing access to police systems.

He was investigated for two separate cases of misconduct.

The first case involved incidents between December 2022 and April 2023.

During this period, Peel used his police radio both on and off duty to access multiple channels belonging to other police forces.

Investigating officer DC Jo Newbery, of Wiltshire Police, said: “I’d like to praise the victim in this case for having the courage and conviction to see this case through, which has resulted in Nicholas Peel being jailed for his abhorrent actions.

“Peel repeatedly targeted her and raped her over a number of years, and then denied the offences, forcing her to relive the experiences through a trial.

“Her incredible bravery in giving evidence and statements ensured that Peel was found guilty by jury for his crimes, and he now faces spending several years behind bars.

“I hope that this sentence inspires others who have suffered sexual violence to come forward and report incidents to the police where we will endeavour to support you.”