West Yorkshire Police Officer Charged After Corruption Allegations

A police officer faces corruption charges in West Yorkshire. David Houghton, age 59, will go to court. His court date is Friday, February 14, in Leeds. He is charged with four counts of theft.

Houghton worked in the Digital Print Unit. The police arrested him earlier this month. The Independent Office for Police Conduct investigated.

These theft charges cover 2011 to 2023. An internal audit discovered issues and they referred it to the IOPC in December 2023.

The IOPC said a staff member must appear in court; this follows their investigation into corruption. Houghton, the 59 year old, is charged with theft, which occurred between August 2011 and October 2023.

Police from the Counter Corruption Unit investigated. The IOPC directed their work after the audit, which suggested possible misconduct.

West Yorkshire Police made the referral in December 2023. After their probe, they sent evidence to prosecutors, and the Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charges. Houghton is now suspended from duty, and will appear in court on February 14, after his arrest in February 2024.