A police dog handler, Ernesto Ceraldi, who strangled and assaulted a lady in an attempted rape within her residence has been incarcerated.
Ernesto Ernesto Ceraldi, an officer of Greater Manchester Police, assaulted the woman following their encounter at a pub in Rossendale in April, as shown in Preston Crown Court.
She attempted to flee, but he pursued her while unclothed and persisted in his assault until a neighbour interfered.
The 44-year-old, having confessed to attempted rape and assault, received a sentence of five years and four months in jail.
The court was informed that Ernesto Ceraldi, who has since resigned from the police department, met the woman on April 1 and was then invited to her residence, where they had wine and he displayed images of his police dog.
‘Whom can I rely on?’
During the prosecution, David Traynor QC stated that the woman recounted how Ernesto Ceraldi’s demeanour “suddenly shifted,” leading him to demand that she engage in a sexual act and to seize her hair.
Ernesto Ceraldi, who has no permanent residence, allegedly forced her against a wall, resulting in a picture falling and shattering, and placed his hand around her throat, stating: “The pressure was horrific; she nearly ceased breathing.”
The unclothed cop allegedly struck the woman multiple times and then chased her as she attempted to flee, but a neighbour heard her cries for assistance and intervened.
Ernesto Ceraldi subsequently re-entered the premises, where law enforcement discovered him slumbering unclothed on the sofa, with his leg entangled in the arm of a jacket.
The woman stated that, given Ernesto Ceraldi was a police officer, she “should have been able to trust him unequivocally.”
“If I cannot place my trust in a police officer with 21 years of service, whom can I trust?” she enquired.
She stated that although her bruises had healed, she was uncertain whether the psychological repercussions would ever subside.
“I can no longer venture out and return home alone after dusk,” she stated.
“An individual must accompany me into the house to alleviate my discomfort.”
‘Authentic apprehension’
Julian King, in defence, stated that Ernesto Ceraldi, who had a spouse and two adult offspring, had received commendations for his contributions during the 2008 UEFA Cup final and the Salford riots in 2011.
He stated that the dog handler’s “isolated” conduct was “out of character” and had been exacerbated by “significant alcohol consumption”.
In sentencing Ernesto Ceraldi, Judge Simon Medland QC characterised the former officer’s conduct as “aggressive, coercive, and violent,” noting that he had exploited his position to “instill confidence in the victim.”
“It instilled terror in the victim, and she experienced authentic fear for her life,” he stated.
He asserted that Ernesto Ceraldi shown authentic contrition and noted that a “very significant” aspect of the case was his guilty confession during a plea and trial preparation session, despite having earlier denied the offences.
Ernesto Ceraldi was informed that he would be obligated to comply with sexual offence notification requirements for the duration of his life and was issued a restraining order.
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