A man has admitted making a false claim that a police officer sexually assaulted him during an arrest.

Gary Marston, 52, from Cambridgeshire, made the allegation after being stopped on suspicion of drink driving in August 2022.

Marston was arrested for failing to provide a sample of breath and became agitated and lashed out, resulting in him being restrained and taken into custody.

After his release from Thorpe Wood Police Station in Peterborough, Marston claimed that while he was being restrained, an officer had put his hands inside his shorts and sexually assaulted him.

An extensive review of body-worn video footage later established the officer’s hands were above shoulder height throughout restraining Marston, and no offence had taken place.

Marston, of Oak Farm Close, Stilton, appeared at Peterborough Crown Court on March 1 where he admitted perverting the course of justice, namely making a false allegation of sexual assault.,

He was sentenced to 15 months in prison.

The Hunts Post: Marston claimed that while he was being restrained, an officer had put his hands inside his shorts and sexually assaulted him.Marston claimed that while he was being restrained, an officer had put his hands inside his shorts and sexually assaulted him. (Image: Cambridgeshire Police)

Chief Constable Nick Dean said: “Police officers do a difficult job, and it is accepted that allegations will be made where we have not given the level of service that members of the public expect, and we should rightly deliver. However, this case highlights very clearly that officers and staff are ‘people’ behind the uniform.

“The impact upon families and colleagues cannot be lost on anyone when such false allegations are made and, in this case, a criminal conviction for perverting the course of justice resulted. I cannot begin to imagine the impact on the officer personally and across their family.

The officer in question, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “This vile, false allegation came as a shock. I am comfortable managing high-stress situations, however, an allegation of this type has far reaching and hugely stressful consequences.

“Irrespective of the fact that I knew full well I did not commit such an act, I understand the allegation needed to be fully investigated, however the stress this imposed on both me and my family followed us around like a dark cloud."

He added: "Marston gave no thought to the possible consequences of his actions against me or the other officers at that incident. In a petty and selfish way, he set out to damage permanently my good reputation, my career, my livelihood, my family, my children and ultimately my freedom, knowing full well that I had committed no such act against him.”