Ex-police officer denies sexual interest in victim

A former police officer accused of misconduct after intimate images of a revenge porn victim were sent to him has told a jury he had no sexual interest in her.

Ex-PC Mark Cranfield, 52, denies three counts of misconduct while in public office and a computer misuse offence, after images and videos of the woman were found on his work phone, in 2021.

Mr Cranfield, who was based in Ludlow with West Mercia Police, told Birmingham Crown Court he believed he had deleted them when the revenge porn investigation had concluded.

Prosecutors have told the court he sent the woman a social media friend request shortly after she reported the initial offence.

Mr Cranfield is also accused of sharing details of his sex life with the victim.

Denying claims he had been "titillated" by the video and images, the defendant told the court he had only contacted her to discuss "everyday" issues.

"I have never discussed my intimate life with my wife to [the victim] at all," he said.

But he conceded he had discussed with her how his marital sex life was "ruined".

"That's just an off-hand comment during the conversation," he said. "It was just a stupid comment. It was light-hearted banter."

Rejecting assertions he had acted for his own sexual pleasure, Mr Cranfield said: "I have absolutely no sexual interest in [the victim] whatsoever.

"I wish I had never messaged her. I wish she had never messaged back."

The trial continues.

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