A lawyer advising the woman who was raped by an RNC officer says it’s a disgrace that he’s still a member of the police force.

Doug Snelgrove’s appeal of his conviction and four-year sentence for sexual assault was dismissed in a ruling released earlier this week.

He is now in custody and serving the sentence, but could still appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Lawyer Lynn Moore says the Court of Appeal used solid reasoning in its ruling, adding she hopes Snelgrove will accept it and the punishment rather than appeal to the higher court.

Meantime, she credits the victim, referred to as Jane Doe, with making society safer for others.

“We all have to bear in mind how brave and resolute she has been in this case,” says Moore.

“I believe that by her actions and persevering with this very long and sometimes torturous process for her, that she has helped to make Newfoundland and Labrador safer for women and vulnerable people from the powers and perversions of some police officers.”

Snelgrove was only convicted after three trials for the offence, which occurred more than eight years ago.

Moore, who is also advising Jane Doe in the public complaint process against the RNC, says about a dozen women have since come forward with allegations against current and former officers in the wake of the trial.

She’s says a total of 14 women now have civil suits pending against the police.