Police officer cleared of 2009 rape charge

Image source, PA

Image caption, A jury found James Andrew Darnton, 53, not guilty at a trial at Liverpool Crown Court

A police officer has been cleared of raping a woman 15 years ago.

James Andrew Darnton, a temporary detective inspector with Greater Manchester Police, had denied the charge.

The 53-year-old, who worked in the public protection governance unit, was found not guilty on the judge鈥檚 directions at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday.

Mr Darnton has been suspended from the force ever since the allegation involving a woman in 2009 was first made in October 2021.

Greater Manchester Police said he remained suspended and his suspension would be "regularly reviewed."

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