Police officer convicted of assaulting woman in Sheffield

Richard Whitham, 35, who is a PC and was previously based at Moss Way Police Station in Sheffield, appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court today where he was convicted of two counts of common assault.

The charges relate to an incident while he was off-duty in Sheffield on February 22.

Whitham was placed on restricted duties when the allegations came to light. He was suspended from his position on April 16 when he was charged.

The force will now consider the decision made at court today and Whitham’s position at South Yorkshire Police under the misconduct procedures.

Det Supt Terry Mann, head of the force’s professional standards department, said: “We are committed to maintaining high professional standards and any criminal allegation against a member of our staff is thoroughly investigated, the consequences of which may, as proven in this case, justify criminal proceedings. Once finalised, their position within South Yorkshire Police has to be considered.”

Whitham will be sentenced on Wednesday November 18.