PC cleared and case dropped against second officer

A West Yorkshire police officer has been cleared of sexually assaulting a woman while off duty.

PC Gary Cavanagh, 61, who worked in Leeds, was found not guilty of three counts of sexual assault following a trial at Bradford Crown Court last April.

Meanwhile, the case against a second officer, PC Simon Clarke, who was charged with separate sexual offences against the same alleged victim, has been discontinued.

The 55-year-old, who also worked in Leeds, had been charged with two counts of sexual assault on a female while on duty but the Crown Prosecution Service issued a notice of discontinuance in February 2024, the force said.

In respect of Cavanagh, West Yorkshire Police said misconduct proceedings were not pursued and he was advised he could return to duty.

The force said misconduct proceedings against Clarke were later discontinued and no further action was taken.

The officer had since returned to work, it added.

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