Former Police Officer Denies Sexual Interest in Victim

A former police officer, facing misconduct allegations after intimate images of a revenge porn victim were sent to him, has informed a jury that he harbored no sexual interest in her. Ex-PC Mark Cranfield, 52, is contesting three counts of misconduct while in public office and one computer misuse offence. These charges arose after images and videos of the woman were discovered on his work phone in 2021. Mr. Cranfield, who was stationed in Ludlow with West Mercia Police, testified at Birmingham Crown Court that he believed he had deleted the files once the revenge porn investigation had concluded. Prosecutors have presented to the court that 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 assertions that he had been “titillated” by the video and images, the defendant told the court that his contact with her was solely to discuss “everyday” issues. “I have never discussed my intimate life with my wife to [the victim] at all,” he said. However, he conceded that 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 claims that he had acted for his own sexual pleasure, Mr. Cranfield stated: “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.