Former officer convicted of sexually abusing teenager more than 30 years ago

James Boyle, now 69, sexually abused the victim between 1986 and 1991.

At the time, Boyle was a serving officer with Cambridgeshire Constabulary and the offences took place at a number of locations within the county.

The offences were reported to Essex Police in 2018 after an exchange of messages on social on media.

At the time he was arrested, Boyle was working as a criminal defence barrister.

Boyle, of Sunbury Place, Edinburgh, was found guilty at Cambridgeshire Crown Court on Wednesday (April 19) of two counts of rape and one count of indecent assault.

He was found not guilty of seven other offences.

Boyle is due to be sentenced at the same court on May 25.

When she reported what had happened, the victim said the abuse had left her “feeling upset, ashamed and guilty”, and Detective Sergeant Carla Hillyer said the verdict showed it was “never too late” to get justice.

“I want to praise the bravery demonstrated by the victim in this case for coming forward and reporting what had happened to her,” she said.

“James Boyle subjected her to half a decade of abuse which has had an impact on the rest of her life.

“He then tried to deny any abuse had ever happened. Thankfully, he was not believed by the jury and now faces a significant amount of time behind bars.

“Nothing will undo the damage his actions have done but I hope this result will help her move forward.

“I hope this conviction shows it is never too late to get justice and we will support you.

“Boyle worked as a criminal defence barrister, he knew this system, and what the victim was up against.

“This was not a barrier to us pushing forward with our investigation and the Crown Prosecution Service prosecuting and, ultimately, securing justice.”

Det Sgt Hillyer added: “I also want to highlight the work of Detective Constable Adam Clarke who has worked tirelessly on this case.

“I am pleased our efforts have resulted in Boyle’s conviction and justice for the victim.”