Police rapist fights for pension

Banfield was a custody sergeant at Parkside Police Station

A Cambridgeshire policeman jailed for rape and indecent assault is fighting for the return of his full pension rights.

Paul Banfield, 35, was jailed for 18 years in June 2000 for two rapes, burglary with intent to rape and four indecent assaults.

Some of the attacks took place in the cells of Cambridge Police Station where Banfield was custody sergeant.

On Friday he began his legal battle at Leeds Crown Court for his full pension, slashed by 75% following his conviction, to be reinstated.

Paul Banfield was jailed for 18 years

Cambridgeshire Police Authority cut his pension because of the disgrace he had brought on the force, but allowed him to keep his own contributions.

On Friday Banfield asked the Recorder of Leeds, Norman Jones QC, for the case to be adjourned.

Banfield, representing himself, said he was not "properly equipped" to argue his case.

He said it may involve human rights issues which could have "wider implications for public sector workers".

He was given leave to appeal against refusal of his application for legal aid to pay for a barrister to argue his case.

Previous arguments

Nicholas Wilcox, for Cambridgeshire Police Authority, said the case should go ahead.

He said Banfield was relying on previous arguments and he had been turned down for legal aid after following the correct procedures.

The Recorder of Leeds adjourned the case until the completion of Banfield's appeal to the Legal Services Commission.

Banfield, a police officer for 15 years, joined Cambridgeshire police in 1989 after starting his career in the Metropolitan Police.