EX-DETECTIVE FOUND GUILTY OVER VICTIM RELATIONSHIP
A retired detective has been convicted of misconduct in a public office after engaging in a sexual relationship with a woman whose case he was investigating.Wasim Bashir, aged 55, reached out to the woman following her report of serious sexual offenses and domestic abuse to the police.
Sheffield Crown Court was told that Bashir, who had specialized in rape investigations, then developed a sexual relationship with her.
Residing in Bradford, Bashir was acquitted of a separate misconduct charge involving two other women he had approached.
His sentencing is scheduled for 29 August.
During the trial, it was revealed that Bashir, who retired in June, and a female officer had initially recorded the woman’s statement when she first disclosed the assault in 2020.
The woman indicated Bashir contacted her a few days after her report to check on her wellbeing, and their meeting for coffee was arranged.
The court heard that they met at the Xscape Centre in Castleford before Bashir drove her to a secluded spot, where they engaged in sexual activity inside his vehicle.
She stated that she had sex with Bashir on two further occasions, but her meetings with him ceased after she entered another relationship.
The jury was informed that she reported the incident to police at the end of 2021.
Prosecutor Tony Dunne noted that the woman claimed she had lost all trust in the police due to Bashir’s misconduct.
Bashir was charged in 2023 following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and West Yorkshire Police.
IOPC director Emily Barry commented, “As a police officer, DC Bashir held considerable authority, so abusing that position for personal sexual gain was an egregious misuse of power.” She added, “Despite serving for 28 years, Bashir flagrantly ignored the regulations meant to protect the public and uphold confidence in law enforcement, actions that have surely damaged public trust in policing.” West Yorkshire Police’s Detective Superintendent Natalie Dawson condemned Bashir’s conduct, saying, “To pursue a sexual relationship with a vulnerable woman who had sought help from the police due to sexual offenses is utterly unacceptable.” She reassured the public that Bashir’s behavior does not reflect the force’s values and actions had been taken promptly to suspend him.
Although Bashir has retired, the force intends to continue with professional misconduct proceedings to prevent him from seeking further employment within the police service.
UPDATE 29/08/2025 JAILED FOR TWO YEARS AND THREE MONTHS
