West Yorkshire Police officer admits stealing cash while on duty
A West Yorkshire Police officer who admitted stealing £10 from a vehicle while on duty has been given a community order.
At Bradford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (August 24), Police Constable Stephen Knott, based in Holmfirth, pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced to carry out 80 hours unpaid work in the next 12 months. He was also ordered to pay court costs of £175.
It follows an investigation managed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and conducted by West Yorkshire Police’s anti-corruption unit relating to an incident on September 22, 2021.
West Yorkshire Police referred the case to the IOPC after receiving reports of money going missing.
“During the investigation, evidence was gathered which found that PC Knott took £10 cash from a vehicle while on duty,” said the IOPC.
“On conclusion of the investigation in January 2022, a decision was made to refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charge.”
IOPC Director of Major Investigations Steve Noonan said: “PC Knott’s behaviour was corrupt and a complete betrayal of the public’s trust. Actions like this have no place in policing.
“This abuse of trust seriously risks undermining public confidence in the police. Thanks to the actions of West Yorkshire Police in flagging up and then investigating concerns about PC Knott’s behaviour, he now has been convicted of a criminal offence.
“It will now be for the force to arrange disciplinary proceedings for the officer.”