'Predatory' ex-West Yorkshire Police officer convicted of 'shameful' pursuit of sexual relationships while at work

Following a trial at Leeds Crown Court, ex-PC Declan Middleton was found guilty yesterday (Tuesday) of two counts of misconduct in a public office after starting an “inappropriate relationship” with one woman and attempting to pursue a relationship with another woman he met during the course of his duties.

Middleton, who was assigned to the Bradford District Safeguarding Domestic Abuse Team, visited a woman’s home in May 2020 to obtain a witness statement and provided his personal phone number for her to contact him on.

Two days later Middleton returned to the woman’s home in plain clothes and they had consensual sex. In the following week, Middleton continued to send messages of a sexual nature and attended her address on more than one occasion.

After the woman tried to distance herself from the officer, the court heard that Middleton sent messages to ask she did not disclose their relationship to anyone.

After investigators from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) arrested Middleton they retrieved his phone, which provided evidence he had sent inappropriate messages to two other women he met during the course of his duties.

IOPC Regional Director Emily Barry said: “PC Middleton’s predatory behaviour was unacceptable and has no place in policing. The fact he tried to cover his tracks was evidence that he knew what he was doing was wrong. This abuse of trust seriously risked undermining public confidence in the police.

“It was thanks to the courage of the complainant in coming forward that we were able to carry out this investigation and identify this disturbing pattern of behaviour. I would like to thank all those who assisted with our enquiries and helped ensure PC Middleton was held accountable.

“The verdict should provide a clear message that any officer who misconducts themselves in such a way can and will face serious consequences for their actions.”

Middleton resigned while under investigation. A misconduct hearing was held in December 2022 which found that he would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had he still been employed by West Yorkshire Police.  

He was moved at that time from the College of Policing’s Advisory List to their Barred List, preventing him from gaining future employment in any role in policing nationally.

Detective Chief Superintendent Nicola Bryar, head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, said: “Police employees occupy a position of trust, and we have made it clear to our officers, staff and volunteers that we will not tolerate any abuse of this position of trust for a sexual purpose.

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“Whether someone encounters the police as a victim, witness or suspect of an offence, they should expect any police employee they come into contact with to act professionally and in line with the Code of Ethics.

“This former officer’s behaviour is shameful to his colleagues and the police service as a whole. The vast majority of those working for West Yorkshire Police work tirelessly to protect people and it is incredibly disappointing for them when a colleague is involved in such completely unacceptable behaviour.

“If anyone has any concerns about the conduct of a West Yorkshire Police employee, please report it so that it can be investigated and appropriate action taken.”

He is due to be sentenced on November 22.