Former West Yorkshire police officer sentenced for harassing ex-partner

A former West Yorkshire police officer who made repeated silent calls to an ex-partner has been given a suspended prison sentence for harassment.

PC Ashley Barrett, who served as a Specialist Operations Trainer at Carr Gate in Wakefield, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Monday (April 20).

He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. Barrett was also made subject to a restraining order for a period of three years.

The court heard that Barrett made a series of silent telephone calls to the woman between October and November 2024. The calls were made after their relationship had ended in January of that year.

Barrett denied making the calls during, the court was told, stating that his phone had been hacked or corrupted.

Following the court proceedings, an accelerated gross misconduct hearing was held on Tuesday (April 21).

The hearing found that Barrett would have been dismissed from the force had he not already resigned.

He has now been placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, meaning he is prohibited from working in policing again.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins, head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, said: “None of our officers are above the law. They are subject to the same laws as any other member of the public.

“This officer has been appropriately held to account and convicted of harassing a former partner and placed on a Barred List meaning he cannot work in policing again.

“We expect the highest standards from our officers and staff and those who fall short will be held to account.”