Ernesto Ceraldi: Greater Manchester police officer admits attempted rape and ABH in Lancashire

A police officer has pleaded guilty to attempted rape and assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) following a court appearance.

Officers attended an address in Edenfield in the village of Much Hoole, near Preston, early on 2 April following reports a woman had been attacked and subjected to a serious sexual assault.

Ernesto Ceraldi, 43, an officer with Greater Manchester police, was arrested at the scene.

Today (4 May), Ceraldi, of no fixed address, appeared before a judge at Preston Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to attempted rape and assault occasioning actual bodily harm

He was remanded into custody to be sentenced on 22 June.

What have Lancashire police said?

DI Carole Langhorn, of the East Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Team, said: “This was an abhorrent crime committed against a woman in a place where she was entitled to feel safe. The appalling level of violence used by Ceraldi was particularly shocking.

“We have carried out a thorough and detailed investigation to ensure Ceraldi is brought to justice and I would like to thank my colleagues, and those from the Crown Prosecution Service, for their professionalism throughout this case.

“Lancashire Police are committed to protecting women and girls from harm. I hope today’s outcome will encourage other victims of sexual violence and abuse to come forward knowing that they will be listened to, they will be believed and we will put the perpetrator before the courts.”