Wasim Bashir

A former West Yorkshire Police officer, Wasim Bashir, aged 55, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison following his conviction for misconduct in a public office. The case, which unfolded at Sheffield Crown Court, centred on Bashir's abuse of his position as a detective constable in Bradford District to engage in a sexual relationship with a woman who had reported being the victim of a sexual offence to West Yorkshire Police.

The incident involved Bashir, who was tasked with investigating the crime reported by the woman, exploiting his professional role for personal sexual purposes. This breach of trust was described as 'abhorrent' by Detective Superintendent Natalie Dawson, Deputy Head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate. She stated: “For a police officer to pursue a sexual relationship with a vulnerable woman who had come forward to report being victim of a sexual offence is nothing short of abhorrent.” The investigation into Bashir's conduct was led by West Yorkshire Police’s Counter Corruption Unit, under the direction of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Bashir was arrested while still serving as a detective constable. He retired from the force during the ongoing investigation but remains subject to internal misconduct proceedings, which aim to prevent him from securing future employment in policing. During the trial on 22 August 2025, the jury found him guilty of one count of misconduct in a public office, though they were directed by the judge to acquit him on a second related count. He was remanded in custody until sentencing on 29 August 2025, when the prison term was imposed.

This case highlights serious concerns over the abuse of position by law enforcement personnel. As per the official update from West Yorkshire Police, the conviction underscores the force's commitment to upholding professional standards and protecting vulnerable individuals. The prosecuting authority was West Yorkshire Police, with oversight from the IOPC, ensuring a thorough examination of Bashir's interactions with other potential victims during the probe.