Latest Offenders

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Mohammed Zahid, 64, of Station Road, Crumpsall, Manchester, guilty of 20 offences including rape, indecency with a child, and attempting to procure a girl into having unlawful sexual intercourse.

Seven men have been found guilty of using two teenage girls as "sex slaves" in Rochdale.

Members:

• Mohammed Zahid
• Kasir Bashir
• Mushtaq Ahmed
• Roheez Khan
• Mohammed Shahzad
• Nisar Hussain
• Naheem Akram

Their trial at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester heard evidence in relation to 53 sexual offences, believed to have been committed between 2001 and 2006, over 72 days.

One of the victims, who is now in her 30s, told the jury that she was labelled a "prostitute" by social services in Rochdale when allegations against the men first came to light.

Their trial was told that she and the other victim were groomed from the age of 13 and forced to have sex with the men "whenever and wherever" they wanted - including on rancid mattresses, in car parks and alleyways.

Both victims were given drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes by the men involved, the court heard. They were also introduced to taxi drivers for sexual exploitation.

The seven men found guilty, all of whom denied any wrongdoing, include:

• Father-of-three Mohammed Zahid, 64, of Station Road, Crumpsall, Manchester. He was found guilty of 20 offences including rape, indecency with a child, and attempting to procure a girl into having unlawful sexual intercourse.
• Kasir Bashir, 50, of Napier Street East, Oldham, was convicted in his absence - and is now wanted. He was found guilty of four offences, including rape and indecency with a child.
• Mushtaq Ahmed, 67, of Corona Avenue, Oldham, was found guilty of nine offences including rape and indecency with a child.
• Roheez Khan, 39, of Athole Street, Rochdale, was found guilty of one offence of rape.
• Mohammed Shahzad, 44, of Beswicke Royds Street, Rochdale, is guilty of six offences including rape and assault by penetration.
• Nisar Hussain, 41, of Newfield Close, Rochdale, was guilty of three offences, including rape and assault by penetration.
• Naheem Akram, 48, of Manley Road, Rochdale, is guilty of seven offences including rape and assault by penetration.

Zahid - known as Boss Man - offered the victims free lingerie from his market stall, in exchange for money, food, and sex with him and his friends.

The trial lasted around four months, with jurors delivering their unanimous guilty verdicts on Friday, after three weeks of deliberations.

32 offenders have been jailed for a combined 300 years, Greater Manchester police has said, as part of two major investigations in the past decade.

An additional 20 men are due on trial - with their next court date set for September 2025.

Detective Chief Inspector Guy Laycock - the senior investigating officer on the case - has said that his investigators spent "thousands of hours" on the "complex" case.

He paid tribute to the two survivors.

"They have been pivotal in bringing these abusers to long-awaited justice by bravely giving painful and difficult testimony during a four-month trial. Without them this would not be possible, and today is about them."

Detective Laycock also said the seven men "preyed on vulnerability for their own depraved sexual gain."

He added: "The men abused, degraded and then discarded the victims when they were just children. This horrific abuse knew no limits, despite their denials throughout this lengthy investigation and court case.

"They had a callous disregard for these women when they were girls, and continue to show no remorse for their unforgivable actions all these years later."

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A sex offender already serving a 19 year sentence for sexually abusing young girls in Kirklees has been convicted of further offending. 

Wiqas Mahmud ( 44) from Huddersfield was jailed again at Leeds Crown Court today (12 June) after admitting serious sexual offending against two teenage girls in Huddersfield between 2001 and 2006.

The 44-year-old was sentenced to five years, four months in prison which he must serve after his current 19 year jail term has been concluded. 

Mahmud had been convicted in 2018 for committing sexual offences against young girls in Kirklees, with his second sentencing taking place on April 13, 2023. 

He was sentenced to six years, three months in prison in the April 2023 hearing. 

In the latest case, he pleaded guilty to one offence of rape, three offences of sexual activity with a child, an offence of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and an offence of indecent assault. 

His victims were aged 13 and 14 when the offending began in the Huddersfield area.

It was reported to police in 2020  and investigated as part of Kirklees Police’s series of long running specialist investigations into non recent child sexual exploitation and abuse.

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A man who began following and making sexual comments to a teenage girl on a train has jailed after a British Transport Police investigation.

Zainal Osman, 31 (28/10/93), of Barlby Road, Selby, was sentenced at York Magistrates' Court on Thursday 5 June having pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to engaging in sexual communication with a child. He also pleaded guilty to failing to notify police of a change of address as part of his notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act.

He was sentenced to 32 weeks’ imprisonment and ordered to pay a victim surcharge. He must also sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

At around 9.50pm on 25 May, a 15-year-old girl was travelling on a train from York to Sherburn-in-Elmet when Osman, who was visibly drunk, began to follow her. 

He repeatedly professed his love for her, and despite the girl telling Osman her age he continued to make advances.

She called 999 and a ticket inspector who saw what was happening intervened, allowing the girl to safely leave the train.

BTP officers met the train at the next stop, Selby railway station, and Osman was arrested and taken into custody.

Investigating officer DC Liam Brown said: "The actions of the young girl in alerting 999, and the intervention of the ticket inspector, meant we were able to act fast to detain Osman.

"This was a frightening ordeal for the girl and it is because of her bravery that Osman, who has a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) because of a previous offence,  has been brought to justice.

"These kinds of offences will absolutely not be tolerated on the railway network. I urge any victims of sexual offences to report them immediately."

If you are the victim of a crime on the rail network, you can discreetly report by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 405040. Always call 999 in an emergency.

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A Birmingham paedophile has been jailed for a total of more than 17 years for child sex offences.

James Shand, 57, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday, June 2.

He was convicted on 12 counts but pleaded guilty to only five.

The counts were as follows:

• Count 1: Sexual assault on a female
• Count 2: Engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child 13 to 15 - offender 18 or over (seven months imprisonment)
• Count 3: Sexual assault on a female (seven months imprisonment)
• Count 4: Sexual assault on a female (15 months imprisonment, consecutive)
• Count 5: Cause/Incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity - no penetration (five years and three months imprisonment)
• Count 6: Cause/incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity - no penetration (16 years comprising of 12 years imprisonment extended by 4 years licence extension)
• Count 7: Cause / incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity – no Penetration (four years and six months imprisonment)
• Count 8: Sexual assault on a female (two years and six months)
• Count 9: Cause/incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity - no penetration (five years imprisonment)
• Count 10: Engage in sexual activity in presence of a child 13 to 15 - offender 18 or over (17 months imprisonment)
• Count 11: Assault a girl under 13 by touching - SOA 2003
• Count 12 - Engage in sexual activity in presence of a child 13 to 15 – offender 18 or over (17 months imprisonment)

Shand, of Woodgate Lane, Birmingham, was sentenced to a total of 17 years and three months - 16 years and a consecutive sentence of 15 months, both for causing/inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

He will be entered on the Sexual Offender Register for life and "may be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults", according to the court.

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A man has been jailed after he was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman in Chester city centre.

Gurpreet Sahota was found guilty of one count of sexual assault following a  trial at Chester Crown Court which concluded earlier today, Thursday 12 June.

The 30-year-old, of no fixed abode, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. He is also required to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

The court heard that shortly after 2am on Sunday 8 December 2024, the victim, a 22-year-old woman, was walking home alone after finishing her shift at work.

As she walked towards the Fountains Roundabout, she was approached by Sahota who told her, “You shouldn’t walk home alone”.

Despite reassuring Sahota that she was OK, he continued to follow her as she walked down the ramp to go into the subway.

Sahota then placed his hand down the victim’s trousers and touched her inappropriately. The victim initially froze, before regaining her composure and fleeing the scene to seek help from two passers-by.

Sahota subsequently walked away from the scene.

The incident was reported to Cheshire Police and an investigation was launched by detectives at Chester CID.

Following extensive enquiries, including extensive CCTV and mobile phone analysis, Sahota was identified as the suspect and arrested at a nearby pub where he had been residing while working as a decorator.

During interview Sahota admitted that he was the person in the footage, but denied touching her, instead stating that he had maintained a safe distance of 60cm.

Following the guilty verdict, Detective Constable Barbara Billington said:

“I would like to recognise the bravery the victim has shown throughout this investigation and subsequent court proceedings. 

"Everyone has the right to feel safe in public.Nobody should have to experience what the victim has been through, and I hope that the conclusion of this case will provide her with some closure and help her recover from what she has been through.

 “Sahota chose to take advantage of a woman while she was alone, and without her consent. Instead of admitting his guilt, he chose to put her through an extremely traumatic trial, where she had to relive the impact of his crime.

“Detectives worked non-stop to identify Sahota, he had no links to Chester. Large amounts CCTV footage were reviewed to identify him and we were then able to track his movements.  Thanks to the officers involved in this complex case, along with the victim’s courage and tenacity, Sahota will now face the consequences of his actions.”

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A child sex offender has been found guilty of 18 crimes after we launched an investigation.

Andrew Robert Pope, 56, of Burton-on-Trent, was found guilty by a jury at the end of a trial at Stafford Crown Court on 3 June.

Our detectives started investigating him in May last year after one of the survivors bravely came forward and told someone about what happened.

Throughout the course of our investigation, a number of survivors were spoken to. We gathered all of the evidence needed and arrested Pope, who denied all of the offences when he was interviewed in custody.

When we searched his house, we seized his phone and found indecent images on it.

It was during our investigation that a further survivor came forward and told us about more crimes that Pope had committed.

Through our evidence, and the bravery of the survivors, Pope was charged a number of offences and taken to court. He continued to deny his crimes but a jury deemed him guilty on all 18 charges, including:

• Seven counts of rape of a girl
• Nine counts of engaging in sexual activity with a girl
• One count of making indecent photographs/pseudo-photographs of a child
• One count of assaulting a person thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm

Detective Sergeant Gemma Szalapski, from our rape and serious sexual offences unit, said: “By working tirelessly to find out the extent of Pope’s crimes, we were able to help another survivor come forward and seek the right support.

“It is their immeasurable bravery that has resulted in this outcome. I’m pleased that the verdict was reached and all of Pope’s offending will be recognised, despite his attempts to hide the truth.”

He is due to be sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on 3 October this year.

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A sheriff told a Stirling paedophile “I’m prepared to make your life very difficult”.

Mark Pentith sent vile messages to undercover police, believing he was chatting to a 13-year-old girl.

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A man tried to film himself "overpowering" and raping a teenage woman, a court has heard. Police found Ryan Bonsu had also filmed himself having consensual sex with other women without their knowledge or consent.

Cardiff Crown Court heard Bonsu has previous convictions for exposure including exposing himself to staff at a McDonald's drive-thru and masturbating in front of them. A judge said the 30-year-old's "predatory behaviour" had escalated over time, and he said an extended sentence was necessary to protect the public from the risk his poses to females.

The illicit video recordings came to light while Bonsu was in custody and he phoned a friend asking him to remove his computer hard drive from his flat.

The friend checked the contents of the drive and handed the device to the police. Officers were able to identify and trace women in two videos. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter

In an impact statement from the vicitm of the rape which she read to the court in person the woman said Bonsu had "stripped me of my femininity" and made her feel like an "object".

She said she had been left suffering with post-traumatic distress disorder and flashbacks so intense they leave her struggling to breath, and she said where once she had the confidence to go out and enjoy life she can no longer do that.

The woman said the defendant had stopped her reaching her full potential. She added that she hoped justice would be done and other families will be protected from him.

Ryan Bonsu, of Heol Undeb, Beddau, had previously been convicted at trial of one count of rape and had pleaded guilty to two counts of voyeurism when he appeared in the dock for sentencing.

He has two previous convictions for four offences of exposure - the first offence involved him exposing his penis and masturbating to staff at a McDonald's drive-thru, and the second involved him masturbating in front of a woman who had gone to his house to see the spare room he had advertised on a house share website.

Abigail Jackson, for Bonsu, said the defendant was an "extremely bright and capable man" whose life had taken "a very different path to the one his family envisaged for him". She said Bonsu had asked her to apologise to his victims, and she said he was truly sorry for everyone who had been affected by his actions.

Judge Shomon Khan said the defendant had engaged "predatory behaviour" which had escalated over time, and he told Bonsu he had "over-powered" his young victim "because of your need for sexual gratification".

The judge said a pre-sentence report had assessed Bonsu as posing a very high risk of serious harm to females in their late teens, and he said given the contents of the report, the facts of the case, and the defendant's previous offending he was bound to make a finding of dangerousness.

Bonsu was given a 14-year extended sentence comprising 10 years in custody followed by a four-year extended licence. He can apply to be released after serving two-thirds of the custodial element of the sentence but it will be for the Parole Board to determine if he safe to be released.

The defendant was made the subject of a 15-year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and will be a registered sex offender for the rest of his life. As part of the SHPO the defendant is prohibited from having a profile on any dating app or website in any name other than his own unless he registers that name with police.

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A man has been found guilty of sexual offences against children in the Winsford area more than 20 years ago.

Graham Lightfoot, of Hartwell Grove, Winsford, was found guilty of 11 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault on children on Tuesday 10 June at Liverpool Crown Court following a seven-day trial.

The 57-year-old will appear back at court on Friday 11 July for sentence.

The investigation commenced in June 2023 when Cheshire Police received reports of abuse that two victims had suffered as children between the year 2000 and 2004.

It was described how Lightfoot had indecently assaulted them when they were aged as young as 11. One of the victims was also sexually assaulted by him.

Following a thorough investigation, Lightfoot was later charged with the offences. He denied the charges but was found guilty following a trial.

Detective Constable Kelly Mitchell said:

“Firstly, I would like to thank the victims in this case for their courage throughout this investigation.

“Their brave disclosures detailed how Lightfoot had assaulted them on numerous occasions across many years, and they spoke about how these events had significantly impacted upon their lives.

“It is thanks to them that this predator has now been convicted of some horrendous crimes and will face the consequences of his actions.

“Lightfoot took advantage of two young girls and subjected them to prolonged abuse, demonstrating his absolute disregard for anyone other than himself and his own twisted sexual gratification.

“To report any sexual offence, no matter how long ago it took place, please call 101 or report online via our website. In an emergency, always call 999.”

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Neil Hamilton sought to deny responsibility for the sexual assault, but jurors found him guilty of one count of assault by penetration at the conclusion of his Sheffield Crown Court trial.

In a statement read during Hamilton’s sentencing hearing, the man he targeted said: “After the incident I stopped eating, and didn’t think life was worth living.”

“I’ve been trying to regain some sense of masculinity,” the complainant said.

He described how the attack, which occurred on January 27, 2025, resulted in him “spiralling into using drugs” over the course of a 10-week period, and was sent back to that dark place during the course of Hamilton’s trial.

The complainant added: “Neil will be released from prison one day, however I will have to live with this for the rest of my life.”

A hearing held on June 10, 2025 heard how the complainant was heavily intoxicated when Hamilton, aged 58, assaulted him.

Sending Hamilton to begin a seven-year prison sentence, Judge Rachael Harrison told him: “Having heard the evidence, I’m sure that you waited until he was in that state before you sexually assaulted him, while he was face down.”

“I’ve read the victim personal statement, it’s clear that what you did to him had a profound effect on him.”

Hamilton, of Granville Road, Norfolk Park, Sheffield, was acquitted of one count of rape at the conclusion of the same trial.

Matthew Burdon, prosecuting, told the court that Hamilton has a criminal record of 19 previous offences from 10 convictions.

Among the previous convictions is an entry for indecent assault dating back to 2002, in which Hamilton preyed upon another intoxicated male who was unconscious when the assault began.

Mr Burdon said Hamilton was initially sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for the offence, but this was reduced to a three-year community order on appeal.

Defending, Dermot Hughes said both parties were voluntarily intoxicated when the latest offending was carried out.

He continued by telling the court that Hamilton was in the process of being transported back to Doncaster prison in a van when it was involved in a collision.

Hamilton, suggested Mr Hughes, suffered a back injury in the crash, and has been in “constant pain” since.

“His father is very elderly and very frail, and has not been able to make contact with the defendant…his greatest fear now is not only his father’s continued deterioration, but that his father may reach a terminal point without the defendant being able to provide him with any support,” added Mr Hughes.

Sending Hamilton to begin his prison sentence, Judge Harrison told him: “Your victim was particularly vulnerable due to personal circumstances.

“Whilst he was intoxicated, I am satisfied you waited until he was in a position where he could not defend himself.”

In addition to his prison sentence, of which he is likely to serve two-thirds behind bars, Hamilton was also ordered to remain on the sex offenders’ register for a period of 10 years.

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Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, a man has been jailed for sexual offences in West Oxfordshire.

Lee Butcher, aged 27, of Barrington Close, Witney, was convicted of a count each of knowingly/recklessly trespassing on a premises with intent to commit a sexual offence and sexual assault on a female, following a trial at Oxford Crown Court.

Butcher initially pleaded not guilty to the offences, but changed his plea to guilty on day three of the trial on Monday (9/6).

He was subsequently sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and he will be required to comply with notification requirements as a registered sex offender.

In the early morning of 10 August 2024, Butcher entered the victim’s home address via a kitchen window in West Oxfordshire.

He then went upstairs to the victim’s bedroom and sexually assaulted her, before leaving.

He was arrested and charged on the same day.

Investigating officer Detective Constable George Hill said: “Butcher made his way into an address via a downstairs window before going on to sexually assault his victim in a place she should have felt safe.

“There is absolutely no excuse for his behaviour, and I am pleased he eventually changed his plea to guilty and has now been sentenced to prison as a result.

“This kind of abuse is never acceptable and I hope that this custodial sentence shows that we listen and investigate fully, taking every action possible to safeguard victims.

“I would encourage any victims of assault and abuse to come forward and report this. You will be listened to and supported and we will seek to put offenders before the courts.”

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A paedophile from Burnley who committed horrific sexual crimes against two children has been jailed for 17 years.

Simon Richards, 50, was sentenced alongside his partner, Natalie Rabie, 46, who admitted conspiring to incite a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity.

The pair, both of Holcombe Drive, Burnley, were sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Monday (June 9) having previously resided in Surrey.

Richards pleaded guilty to 11 charges including multiple counts of rape of a child, attempted rape of a child, and making and distributing indecent images of a child.

Richards and Rabie were first arrested in June 2023 after the mother of one of the victims discovered sexual communications between Richards and the child, including the sharing of indecent imagery.

During police interviews, Richards replied 'no comment' throughout.

A thorough investigation by Surrey Police's child abuse team uncovered the extent of Richards' offending in the county.

For the offences of rape and attempted rape against one victim he received a nine-year sentence.

For offences against the second victim, including rape and sexual assault, and for the distribution of indecent images, he received a further eight years.

His sentences will be served consecutively.

The judge deemed Richards to be a dangerous offender, and he will be added to the Registered Sex Offenders list for life.

Both Richards and Rabie will be handed sexual harm prevention orders and indefinite restraining orders preventing them from any contact with the victims for the rest of their lives.

Rabie was sentenced to 20 months in prison for her crimes.

Investigating officer Harriet Francos said: “The bravery of the children involved in this investigation has been incredible.

"Their support for this case, alongside that of key witnesses,s has been vital in putting these predators behind bars.  

“Richards in particular, groomed these young people and poses a serious risk to children.

"It is a relief that he is now in prison and will have very strict conditions on him for the rest of his life.  

“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse, to come forward and report it to us in the knowledge that you will be listened to, believed and supported.”

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A sex offender from Boston who was caught by paedophile hunters after he tried to groom a decoy under-age girl has been jailed for six years.

Graeme Denton, 46, will also have to serve an extended licence period of two years on his release from jail after a judge decided he posed a high risk to children.

Lincoln Crown Court was told Denton had exchanged hundreds of messages on Facebook and WhatsApp with the profile of a 12-year-old girl called ‘Tiff Jones’.

The profile was in fact being managed by an online child safety group, the court was told.

Phil Howes, prosecuting, said during the exchanges Denton offered to pay the decoy £50 for a photo of herself and encouraged a meeting at a railway station where they could have intercourse.

Mr Howes said Denton also encouraged the decoy to touch herself.

The court was told Denton was a registered sex offender who was made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) after he was sentenced to 28 months’ imprisonment at Norwich Crown Court in 2018 for similar offences.

When police arrested Denton at his Boston home in October 2024 they found a mobile phone he had not disclosed to the authorities, the court was told.

During his police interview, Denton denied intending to meet the decoy child.

Denton, of Wyberton Low Road, Boston, pleaded guilty to two charges of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, one charge of attempting to breach a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, two charges of attempting to incite a child aged under-13 to engage in sexual activity and one charge of attempting to arrange a sexual offence.

All six offences occurred between August 2023 and October 2024.

Stuart Lody, mitigating, stressed Mr Denton did not actually turn up for a physical meeting and had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

“His offences have never actually been against a real child,” Mr Lody told the court.

“He appears to be amenable to treatment.”

Passing sentence on Monday (June 9), Judge Simon Hirst told Denton the probation service had concluded he was a ‘high risk’ to children.

“I am satisfied you do pose such a risk,” Judge Hirst added.

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A paedophile who travelled 130 miles to meet a “14-year-old girl” in Fife has been hounded out of his home, a court has heard.

After making arrangements online, Allan Cruickshank travelled from Peterhead to Kirkcaldy with the intent of spending a night in a guest house, engaging in illegal sex.

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A West Yorkshire Police officer has been jailed following his conviction for rape and sexual assault by penetration.

PC Ben Bottomley, aged 23, who is based in Kirklees District, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court today (Wednesday, 11 June) where he was sentenced to four years imprisonment for rape and one year imprisonment for sexual assault by penetration, to be served concurrently.

PC Bottomley will also be subject to the requirements of the Sex Offenders Register for life.

His conviction followed an investigation by West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate into off-duty offences which were reported to the police after he joined the Force.

He has been suspended from duty since the outset of this investigation. An accelerated misconduct hearing is due to take place next month with a view to him being added to the College of Policing’s Barred list preventing him from gaining further employment in policing. 

Tuesday, 22 April, 2025

A West Yorkshire Police officer has been found guilty of off-duty sexual offences.  

PC Benjamin Bottomley, aged 23, who is based in Kirklees district, has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault by penetration following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.  

The charges relate to offences committed against one adult female victim. The rape offence occurred prior to PC Bottomley joining West Yorkshire Police and the sexual assault by penetration offence occurred while he was a student officer. Both offences were reported to the police after he joined West Yorkshire Police.  

Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins, Head of West Yorkshire Police Professional Standards Directorate, said: “These were extremely serious allegations to be made against a serving police officer and he was immediately suspended from duty when the investigation commenced in June 2023.  

“The victim has shown immense courage in coming forward to report these offences. We do not underestimate how hard it is to report such offending in any circumstances but understand that there may also be additional concerns when the perpetrator works in policing.  

“I hope the investigation and subsequent prosecution show that police and partners will take action, regardless of the occupation of the offender.  

“We are committed to protecting women from violence and sexual violence. PC Bottomley has demonstrated a disregard for the victim’s right to consent and, in addition to any custodial sentence he is given, he will now be subject to extra conditions on him as a convicted sex offender.”  

“We will also now continue with misconduct proceedings with a view to PC Bottomley being barred from working in policing in any role in the future.”  

PC Bottomley is due to be sentenced on 11 June.