A West Yorkshire Police officer has been sentenced to a community order after admitting to assault and intentional strangulation offenses committed while off duty in Kirklees on 10 November last year. Sergeant Edward Howard, stationed at Bradford District, appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court where he was handed a 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work, alongside financial penalties.
Sentencing Outcome
Sergeant Howard was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £400 in compensation to the victim, plus a £114 surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.
Police Standards Under Scrutiny
Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins, head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, emphasised the importance of high conduct standards both on and off duty, stating the behaviour falls far below expectations.
Next Steps Attack
Following the legal proceedings, misconduct hearings regarding Sergeant Howard’s actions will be considered by the force.
