BRADFORD POLICE OFFICER JONATHAN HOLMES SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND COVER-UP

A police officer from Bradford has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman and attempting to conceal his misconduct through digital tampering.

PC Jonathan Holmes, aged 24, who was serving with West Yorkshire Police in Bradford, was convicted of sexual assault and perverting the course of justice at Leeds Crown Court. The court proceedings revealed that Holmes, who was familiar with the victim, committed the assault in October 2021 while he was off duty. The incident has caused significant distress and has brought to light serious concerns about misconduct within the police force.

During the sentencing hearing held on Friday, Holmes was handed a prison term of two years and two months. The court's decision underscores the gravity of his actions and the breach of trust involved in his misconduct. Following his arrest, authorities seized Holmes' mobile phone as part of the investigation. It was discovered that Holmes had attempted to erase evidence by restoring his device to factory settings shortly before the police confiscated it. This act was seen as an effort to hinder the investigation and conceal his involvement.

In response to his actions, Holmes was immediately suspended from his duties as a police officer. Plans are underway for a misconduct hearing to be held after his release from prison, which could result in the termination of his employment and prevent him from serving as a police officer in the future.

Although Holmes was acquitted of two other serious charges—namely attempted rape and perverting the course of justice—his conviction for sexual assault and for attempting to obstruct justice remains. Detective Chief Superintendent Nicola Bryar commented on the case, praising the victim's bravery throughout the legal process. She emphasized that Holmes had actively sought to impede the investigation and had refused to admit to the sexual offence committed against the woman.

As part of his sentence, Holmes has been placed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years. The case has been widely viewed as a significant step towards holding law enforcement officers accountable for misconduct and ensuring justice for victims. The authorities have expressed their commitment to maintaining integrity within the police force and safeguarding the community from individuals who abuse their positions of trust.