Jo Lavender
Introduction
Jo Lavender is a serving West Yorkshire Police officer who was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment at York Crown Court on 3 November 2026 after being found guilty of the rape of a woman in an attack that took place more than two decades earlier. Lavender, 45, was working in the force’s Leeds District at the point of his suspension, and the force has said misconduct proceedings will now follow his conviction to bar him from policing.
The case turned on the courage of a victim who came forward in December 2024 to report what had happened to her in 2002, and who addressed the court directly about the impact the assault had on her life.
Background Information
Lavender’s career in policing spans more than two decades. According to West Yorkshire Police, he joined the organisation as a police staff member earlier in 2002 — the year of the offence — and became a police officer in 2005. By the time of his suspension he was working in Leeds District.
The force did not disclose the circumstances of the 2002 offence or the relationship between Lavender and the woman he assaulted, stating only that she reported it to police in December 2024, after which detectives investigated and charged him.
The Controversy or Incident That Led to Their Cancellation
Convicted and sentenced. A jury found PC Jo Lavender guilty of rape at trial. He was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and added to the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.
Lavender stood trial at York Crown Court in October 2026. On 19 October the jury found him guilty of one count of rape relating to the 2002 offence.
He returned to York Crown Court for sentence on 3 November 2026, where he received seven years’ imprisonment. The court also made him subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and added him to the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.
In her Victim Personal Statement, the woman told the court: “I can say knowing that I was believed gave me a sense of relief and that someone confirmed what had happened to me was wrong did help me.” She added: “The offence happened over 20 years ago and has had a huge impact on my life. I have felt so low that someone would choose their own self gratification over my wellbeing.”
Public Reaction and Consequences
Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins, Head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, said the sentencing “reflects the seriousness of PC Lavender’s offending”, calling his actions “a gross abuse of trust” that were “wholly incompatible with the values and standards expected of those who serve the public”.
“There is no place in policing for individuals who commit such offences and misconduct proceedings will now follow,” Wilkins said, adding that the force hoped the victim felt justice had been served and crediting “her courage and resilience” with ensuring Lavender was held accountable.
The victim thanked the detective who led the investigation, telling the court she was grateful “for working so hard to make sure I received the justice for what has lived with me for such a long time”.
Current Status
Lavender, 45, is serving a seven-year prison sentence and has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order in force. West Yorkshire Police has confirmed that misconduct proceedings are under way with the aim of ensuring he is barred from working in any role in policing in the future.
The force said it “remains committed to tackling violence and sexual violence against women and girls, holding offenders to account, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity”.
Impact on Their Career/Life
Lavender’s conviction ended a policing career that began as a staff member in 2002 and continued as a warranted officer from 2005. Whatever the outcome of the misconduct proceedings, a rape conviction and an indefinite place on the Sex Offenders Register make any return to policing impossible in practice; the proceedings are expected to convert that reality into a formal place on the police barred list.
Sources
- “West Yorkshire Police officer sentenced for rape offence” — West Yorkshire Police — source