David Crossley, aged 60, a former West Yorkshire Police officer has been jailed after being convicted of non-recent sexual offences against two child victims.
He was a Police Constable in the force’s Leeds District when the offences were reported to police in 2020.
Following a trial at Leeds Crown Court, Crossley was convicted on Wednesday (5th July, 2023) of indecent assault, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual touching and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. He was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
The offences occurred between 1995 and 2014. Crossley commenced his employment with West Yorkshire Police in 1997. None of these offences was committed whilst PC Crossley was on duty the force said in a statement after the sentencing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Nicola Bryar, Head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, said:
“These were absolutely awful offences committed against child victims. I understand that members of the public will be horrified that these offences could be committed by a police officer and all I can say is that I and other colleagues feel exactly the same way.
“As soon as these offences were reported in 2020, an investigation was commenced and Crossley was suspended from duty. He later retired.
“I would like to commend the victims for their courage in coming forward and reporting the appalling offences they suffered during their childhoods. I can only imagine the increased concern they had when reporting offences against a police officer but I hope that the action we have taken shows that we will investigate offences involving police officers and that we will take swift action to remove them from duty.
“If anyone has been the victim of an offence where the perpetrator is a police officer, staff member or volunteer, then I would urge them to report it. By doing so, we can protect you and other members of the public, signpost you to victim support services and we can ensure that those who should not be working in policing are no longer allowed to do so.”
Any concerns about a police employee can be reported to West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate online or by calling 101. Information can also be passed to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
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Page last updated: Thursday 6th July, 2023 at 19h25
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