Allegations Against Police Officer
A police officer accused of sexually assaulting a woman told her,
"I know the law"prior to the incident, a court has been informed.
Fiona Anderson, 33, from Exeter, denies two counts of sexual assault said to have occurred in 2018 during a visit to Cardiff.
Court Proceedings at Bristol Crown Court
On Monday, Bristol Crown Court heard that Anderson entered the bed of the alleged victim after they had been drinking together and performed non-consensual oral sex on her.
Anderson, a police constable with Devon and Cornwall Police, continued despite the woman stating,
"I don't want to have sex with you, you're too drunk", the jury was told.
Prosecution's Account
Emma Martin, prosecuting, explained that Anderson and the complainant spent the evening together in Cardiff.
After the complainant went to bed, Anderson entered the bedroom while
"disgustingly drunk"and attempted to initiate a sexual encounter, the court heard.
Martin stated,
"It was clear to Fiona, it was abundantly clear that [the complainant] did not want sexual contact with her."
She added,
"Fiona, that night, drunkenly sexually assaulted [the woman]."
Details of the Alleged Assault
Despite the complainant's refusal, Anderson proceeded to kiss and bite her, the court was told.
Martin described how Anderson became
"rougher"and removed the woman's underwear.
At this point, the complainant reported that Anderson said,
"I need you to say yes, I know the law, I need you to say yes."
The court heard the woman did not reciprocate Anderson's advances and did not consent to the oral sex performed on her.
Anderson ceased the act when the woman did not say
"yes"and left the bedroom, after which the complainant heard her vomiting in the bathroom.
Defendant's Response and Suspension
Anderson's recollection of the evening was described as
"a bit fuzzy", but she denies any non-consensual sexual activity with the woman.
She has been suspended from duty since her arrest in March 2023.
Victim's Hesitation to Report
Ms Martin noted that the complainant initially
"felt she couldn't complain"to the police about Anderson due to Anderson's status as a serving officer and only reported the incident several years later.
