A Manchester police officer faces jail time after pleading guilty to attempted rape. Ernesto Ceraldi, who police said used a horrific level of violence, is known as a firearms specialist and police dog guide.
Lancashire police said today that the 43-year-old had admitted to attempted rape and charged with assault that caused actual bodily harm following an investigation. Officers were called to Edenfield, near Bury, at 1:23 a.m. on April 2 after reports that a woman had been assaulted and subjected to serious sexual assault.
Ceraldi, who is believed to be from the Darwen area of Lancashire, was arrested at the scene. Lancashire police say he was detained after a Preston Crown Court hearing on Wednesday and will be convicted on June 22.
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DI Carol Langhorn, of the Eastern Rape and Serious Sex Crimes Team, said: “It was a heinous crime committed against a woman in a place where she had a right to feel safe. The appalling level of violence used by Ceraldi was particularly shocking.
“We have conducted a thorough and detailed investigation to ensure that Ceraldi is brought to justice, and I would like to thank my colleagues and those of the Crown Prosecution Service for their professionalism during this case.
“Lancashire Police is committed to protecting women and girls from injury. I hope that today’s result will encourage other victims of sexual violence and violence to come out, knowing that they will be heard, trusted and brought to justice. “
Preston Crown Court (Image: Liverpool Echo)
In a statement, Lancashire police said: “A man has pleaded guilty to attempted rape and assault causing grievous bodily harm (ABH) following an investigation by our detectives in the Eastern Rape and Serious Sexual Crime Team.
“We were called to Edenfield at 1.23 am on April 2 after reports that a woman had been assaulted and subjected to serious sexual assault. A 43-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of rape and ABH.
“After consulting the Royal Prosecutor’s Office, Ernesto Ceraldi, 43, without a fixed address, was accused of raping ABH and was detained. After further investigation and consultation with the CPS, the charge was changed to attempted rape and ABH.
“Today (May 4), Ceraldi, an active-duty police officer in the Greater Manchester Police Department, appeared before a judge at the Preston Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to the full facts of the case. He was remanded in custody to be sentenced on June 22. “
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GMP Deputy Chief of Staff Terry Woods said in response to today’s hearing: “Both the Greater Manchester Police and the communities we serve rightly expect the highest standards from police officers. Ceraldi’s actions in relation to the crimes he appeared in court for today were nothing short of deplorable, and he is not what we as police officers stand up for in our duty to protect and serve our communities. All our thoughts are with the victim at this moment.
“Building public trust in the police is one of our highest priorities, and while Ceraldi’s actions will undoubtedly overshadow that trust, I hope today’s result shows that the police will not maintain this behavior, inside or outside our ranks.
“His actions do not reflect the ethics, values and standards that form the basis of our service to members of society, and our employees will do everything possible to repair the damage he has done to public trust. Following the verdict, this will be decided by our branch of professional standards. “
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