A FORMER police officer could spend up to 28 years behind bars for a string of sexual and violent attacks on women.

Kevin Bentley was dubbed “a sexual sadist”, as he was sentenced for three decades of abuse on five women and a girl.

The now 69-year-old retired officer, of Pearson Street, Spennymoor, tried to use his job with Durham Police as a form of “shield” to prevent the victims reporting his actions.

Sentencing him, at Durham Crown Court, Judge James Adkin said such was his “hubris” after being aggressive to one of the women, he urged her to ring the police.

“You described yourself as being ‘Teflon’, i.e., there was no point in complaining, it would not stick.”

But after one victim finally plucked up the courage to report his actions to police in 2018, lengthy inquiries enabled investigators to uncover the full extent of his activities over the years.

He went on trial last month facing a total of 25 charges and was convicted of 24 serious sexual and physical assaults, after an 11-day hearing.

Appearing at the sentencing hearing yesterday via video link from nearby Durham Prison, where he has been on remand since his conviction, he was told it is considered he poses, “a significant risk” of committing further sexual offences and assault against younger women.

Judge Adkin said as he classes Bentley as, “a dangerous offender”, he imposed an extended determinate sentence, with a 28-year custodial element, to be followed by six-years under licence supervision.

It means he must serve at least 18-and-a-half years in custody before he can be considered for parole but may have to spend the full 28 years behind bars.

Lifelong restraining orders prevent him from contacting or approaching any of his victims.

His conviction follows the painstaking three-year investigation by Durham Police, following the 2018 report of sexual assault made by one woman.

Officers from Bishop Auckland Safeguarding Team traced five other victims, who all gave evidence at his trial.

Detective Constable David Hannan, who led the investigation, said: “Kevin Bentley repeatedly subjected his victims to horrific abuse and now faces many years in prison to reflect on the trail of damaged lives he has left behind.

“Above all, our thoughts are with those women who were strong enough to give evidence to bring their abuser to justice after all this time and hopefully begin the process of moving forward with their lives.

“I hope this conviction will reassure all survivors of abuse that, no matter who the perpetrator is and no matter what the circumstances may be, they can be confident that if they come forward we will listen, and we will investigate”.

Bentley retired as a constable in 2006 and none of his offences relate to his police job.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Cuthbert, head of the force’s Professional Standards Department, said: “While these offences were not related to Bentley’s role as a police officer, they do not reflect the high standards of Durham Constabulary, the standards exemplified by the diligent and dedicated officers who worked to bring him to justice”.