Officer jailed for sexual assault
A West Yorkshire Police officer has been jailed after sexually assaulting a woman and trying to evade justice by deleting the contents of his phone.
PC Jonathan Holmes, 24, who was based in Bradford District, was found guilty at Leeds Crown Court of charges of sexual assault and perverting the course of justice. He was found not guilty of attempted rape and another charge of perverting the course of justice.
He has been sentenced to 26 months imprisonment and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.
The sexual assault charge relates to an offence committed against an adult female victim in the Bradford area in October 2021. PC Holmes was known to the victim and was off duty at the time of the offence.
After his arrest, his mobile phone was seized and examined by the police. It was found he had factory restored his phone a short time before his arrest.
Detective Chief Superintendent Nicola Bryar, head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, said: “The victim has shown immense courage throughout this judicial process. Holmes sought to hamper the police investigation and has put the victim through the ordeal of a trial by refusing to admit the sexual offence he committed against her. He has now been made to face justice for his actions.
“Holmes was immediately suspended from duty following his arrest. The misconduct investigation will now resume in relation to this officer with a view to him being prevented from gaining any further employment in policing upon his release from prison.
“We need the public to have the confidence to report sexual offences, regardless of the occupation of the perpetrator. I would urge anyone who has been a victim to please report it. I hope that this prosecution shows that we do listen and will take action.”