Police officer guilty of sexual assault after pulling woman out of hotel bed by her hair

A police officer has been found guilty of sexual assault after he pulled a woman out of a hotel bed by her hair.

PC Joseph McCabe, 27, based in Harrogate with North Yorkshire Police, was spared jail on Friday during his sentencing at York Magistrates' Court.

He was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, on condition he undergoes a rehab programme.

He was also subjected to a three-year restraining order aimed at protecting the victim.

McCabe is currently suspended from duty, but North Yorkshire Police said an accelerated misconduct hearing will now be considered at a "future date".

McCabe had denied sexually assaulting the woman last summer, but was convicted in February following a trial.

Read more: Met Police murderer and rapist Wayne Couzens 'could still get his pension'

The court heard McCabe and the victim were known to each other and were sharing a hotel room after a social event.

The victim said McCabe picked her up during the night and put her on his bed, then stroked her arm. She returned to her own bed, but later McCabe pulled her hair with such force she fell out of bed, the court heard.

The court was told he also shouted at the victim several times to get into bed with him.

McCabe was later interviewed and subsequently charged, the force said.

North Yorkshire Police deputy chief constable Mabs Hussain said: "Our communities need to know that they can have complete trust in their police, and that we demand the highest level of integrity from our officers and staff.

"McCabe's disgraceful actions fell far below that standard.

"I commend the victim for her courage in coming forward so we could take action.

"I also hope the case sends a clear message that there is no place for this behaviour in policing – and that we will secure justice against perpetrators, no matter who they are."