British Transport Police officer dismissed after assault conviction

A British Transport Police (BTP) officer accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend while under a court restraining order has been sacked.

Former Police Constable Ben Godwin, 45, who was based in Blackheath, is alleged to have attacked his ex-girlfriend at his home in Kent, in May last year.

Godwin was subject to a 12-month non-molestation order at the time.

Despite pleading not guilty, Godwin, now of Eltham, was convicted of common assault following a trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on July 1. 

He is due to be sentenced on September 4.

After the decision, an accelerated misconduct hearing was chaired by Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi on August 5.

Ms D’Orsi found Godwin’s conviction alone breached standards of professional behaviour to a gross misconduct level.

Godwin was not present at the hearing, but in a written submission he reiterated his innocence and said he did not agree with the conviction. 

He did accept that following conviction, dismissal was a possible outcome, the BTP said.

Deputy Chief Constable Alistair Sutherland said: “Godwin’s behaviour has discredited the police service and undermines the public’s trust, because of this Godwin has been dismissed with immediate effect.”

(Picture: BTP)