Justin Middleton’s behavior as a police officer crossed serious ethical and legal boundaries.
Middleton, who was once a member of the West Yorkshire Police, found himself at the center of a misconduct trial after several women came forward with disturbing claims of inappropriate relationships.
These incidents occurred during the Covid lockdown between 2020 and 2021 when Middleton was assigned to assist domestic violence victims in Keighley.
His actions were far from what anyone would expect from a law enforcement officer, especially someone tasked with protecting vulnerable individuals.
Accusations of Abuse of Power
Middleton’s first victim, a woman dealing with severe personal struggles during the pandemic, described feeling violated after Middleton initiated an inappropriate relationship with her.
She had contacted the police for help after suffering from an assault by her partner, but instead of receiving professional assistance, she found herself targeted by the officer.
Middleton’s initial inappropriate advance occurred when he visited her home, where he grabbed her inappropriately while making lewd remarks.
What followed was a string of sexualized interactions, including a consensual encounter, which the victim said left her feeling used and degraded.
Pattern of Misconduct with Multiple Women
The jury at Leeds Crown Court heard that Middleton’s misconduct wasn’t limited to just one victim.
He established inappropriate, and at times sexual, relationships with two other women who had also contacted the police for support in dealing with domestic violence.
In one case, Middleton exchanged over 400 text messages with a second woman, including explicit photographs.
His unprofessional behavior was not just a lapse in judgment but a disturbing pattern of abusing his position of power.
Victim Speaks Out About Feeling Exploited
The first victim bravely testified that she felt like she was being used as a pawn by Middleton during a time when she was extremely vulnerable.
Struggling with drug addiction and severe mental health issues, she described how her life was in disarray, which Middleton seemingly took advantage of.
After getting clean later that year, she realized the extent of Middleton’s inappropriate conduct and decided to report the incident, fearing that he could be preying on other women in similar situations.
Guilty Verdict and Awaiting Sentencing
After reviewing the evidence, including the testimonies of all three women, the jury found Middleton guilty of two counts of misconduct in public office.
Although he was cleared of one charge, the seriousness of his actions has left a lasting impact on the victims.
The judge has adjourned sentencing for further reports, but Middleton remains on conditional bail, with potential jail time still on the table.
This case has highlighted not only Middleton’s abuse of his role as an officer but also the critical need for accountability within police forces when dealing with victims of domestic violence.
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