Ex-PC David Crossley Jailed for Sick Child Sex Crimes
David Crossley, 60, a former police constable in Leeds, was convicted today of multiple child sex offences following a trial at Leeds Crown Court. The charges include indecent assault, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual touching, and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
Offences Spanning Nearly Two Decades
The heinous crimes took place between 1995 and 2014. Crossley joined West Yorkshire Police in 1997, but none of the offences occurred while he was on duty. After being reported in 2020, Crossley was suspended and subsequently retired. He was sentenced to 10 years behind bars.
Police Speak Out on “Absolutely Awful” Crimes
Detective Chief Superintendent Nicola Bryar 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.”
