A former Chief Inspector for Cambridgeshire police and more recently working as a criminal defence barrister has been found guilty of raping a schoolgirl more than 30 years ago.

James Boyle abused the girl, who was under 16, between 1986 and 1991 while serving for Cambridgeshire police.

The 69-year-old, of Sunbury Street, Edinburgh, was convicted by a trial jury of two counts of rape and one count of indecent assault.

Detectives said they were told about the offences in 2018 after an “exchange of messages on social media”.

“I want to praise the bravery demonstrated by the victim in this case for coming forward,” said Det Sgt Carla Hillyer, of Essex Police, who said Boyle was still working as a lawyer at the time of his arrest.

“Boyle worked as a criminal defence barrister, he knew this system, and what the victim was up against.”

Essex Police said the offences happened at different locations in Cambridgeshire.

He was handed a Police Long Service and Good Conduct medal after 22 years police service during which time the abuse took place

Boyle is due back at Cambridge Crown Court for sentencing on 25 May.