A West Yorkshire Police officer has been found guilty of off-duty sexual offences.
PC Benjamin Bottomley, aged 23, who is based in the force’s Kirklees District and lives in Halifax, has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault by penetration following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.
The charges related 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 whilst he was a student officer. Both offences were reported to the police after he joined West Yorkshire force.
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 11th June 2025.
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Neil Wilby is a journalist, court reporter and transparency campaigner who has reported on police misconduct, regulatory failures, and criminal and civil justice since 2009. He is the founder and editor of Neil Wilby Media, launched in 2015.
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