Two retired West Yorkshire Police officers have been charged with child sex offences dating back over twenty years.
The force says two of its former officers each face charges of rape and indecent assault against a girl aged under 16. The offences were allegedly committed between 1992 and 1995.
William Baker, 78, of Hayle, Cornwall, and Ian Hopkinson, 63, of Redcar, Cleveland, will face Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 7th May, 2025.
Both suspects were arrested in June, 2024 after a woman reported the alleged offences in 2023. They are said by the force to have taken place in West Yorkshire, whilst Baker and Hopkinson were both serving police officers.
Both men were deployed with the WYP Mounted Section, at the material time, based in Carleton, Pontefract. Mr Baker held the rank of sergeant and Mr Hopkinson was a constable.
Mr Baker is charged with three counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16 years and two counts of rape of a female under 16 years.
Mr Hopkinson is charged with five counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16 years and five counts of rape of a female under 16 years.
A third former West Yorkshire Police officer was also arrested in connection with the allegations, but he has since died. The force added that it had been concluded that there were ‘no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death’.
Page last updated: Friday 14th March, 2025 at 18h55
Photo Credits: Geographia
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