A former police dog handler has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for the attempted rape and assault of a woman in Lancashire. Ernesto Ceraldi, 44, who previously served with Greater Manchester Police, admitted to the charges at Preston Crown Court.

The incident occurred in April at a property in Rossendale, where Ceraldi and the victim initially engaged in consensual sex after meeting at a pub. Court proceedings revealed that Ceraldi’s behavior abruptly shifted; he became violent, pulling the woman’s hair, pushing her against a wall, and placing his hand around her throat. The victim managed to escape the residence, fleeing while Ceraldi chased her naked.

During the hearing, the victim expressed her shock and betrayal, stating, “If I cannot trust a police officer with 21 years of service, who can I trust?” Ceraldi, who resigned from the police force prior to sentencing, is a married father of two children.

The court sentenced him to five years and four months in prison. Additionally, he will be subject to a lifelong sex offender notification requirement. The case has drawn attention to issues of trust and safety related to law enforcement personnel.