AN Avon and Somerset police officer has today been cleared of rape and two charges of misconduct.

But PC Nick Stone, 40, of Pitminster, near Taunton has been told by Judge Graham Cottle he faces jail on a third charge of misconduct in a public office.

He had been cleared by the same jury of raping the woman and two other charges of misconduct in public office.

But the jury returned with a majority verdict on the final charge after seven hours deliberating.

Judge Graham Cottle said he would sentence Stone next week and granted him bail.

PC Stone was serving with Devon and Cornwall Police when the alleged incidents took place between 1999 and 2001.

In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police said: “The police and CPS have worked diligently throughout this case and from the early stages of the investigation we were confident there was a case to answer.

“It is important that when an allegation is made against a police officer that the allegation is taken seriously and a thorough investigation with the highest integrity is progressed. The community can find confidence in the fact that police, police themselves.”

For the full story, see Thursday's Somerset County Gazette.