Former West Yorkshire Police officer jailed after starting 'inappropriate relationship'
He's been convicted of misconduct in a public office
A former West Yorkshire Police officer is starting a two year prison sentence, after using his position to start an 'inappropriate' relationship with a woman.
33 year old Declan Middleton was convicted of two counts of misconduct in a public office at Leeds Crown Court.
He started an intimate relationship with one woman he met during the course of his duties, also attempting to pursue another he'd met while working for the force.
Middleton quit the force once he became the subject of an investigation in 2022, with a panel later finding he would have been sacked if he was still employed by the police.
Detective Chief Superintendent Nicola Bryar, Head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, said:
“Police employees occupy a position of trust, and we have made it clear to our officers, staff and volunteers that we will not tolerate any abuse of this position of trust for a sexual purpose."
"Whether someone encounters the police as a victim, witness or suspect of an offence, they should expect any police employee they come into contact with to act professionally and in line with the Code of Ethics.
“This former officer’s behaviour is shameful to his colleagues and the police service as a whole.
"The vast majority of those working for West Yorkshire Police work tirelessly to protect people and it is incredibly disappointing for them when a colleague is involved in such completely unacceptable behaviour.
“If anyone has any concerns about the conduct of a West Yorkshire Police employee, please report it so that it can be investigated and appropriate action taken.”