
A West Yorkshire Police sergeant is facing the sack after pleading guilty to a violent, unprovoked assault on a taxi driver while the vehicle was moving.
Sergeant Edward Howard, who works in the Bradford area, admitted to charges of intentional strangulation and assault during a hearing at Leeds Magistrates' Court.
The court heard that Howard had been out drinking with colleagues in Cleckheaton on November 10, 2025, and was put into a taxi because he was too drunk.
While the vehicle was travelling "at some speed" after leaving the motorway, CCTV footage captured Howard rubbing his hands together and slapping his own face before lurching forward from the back seat. He grabbed the driver around the neck with both hands and squeezed, before punching him in the head six times.
The driver, who managed to safely stop the vehicle, was physically unharmed but later stated he genuinely believed Howard "was going to kill him."
District Judge Dave Kitson condemned the "bizarre" behavior, noting that it could have easily caused a crash "with catastrophic results for all concerned."
Defending Howard, Tom Harris described the incident as a "brutal attack" and a "bizarre episode," but stressed that it was "very much" a one-off.
He told the court that Howard had surrendered to police as soon as he learned what he had done, though he still has no memory of the assault. A police inspector who worked with Howard provided a character reference, describing him as "extremely diligent, professional and respected" over his six years of service.
Howard escaped prison and was instead handed a 12-month community order requiring 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £400 in compensation to the driver and £199 in court costs.
Sentencing him, Judge Kitson said: "I don't know what came over you and I am sure you don't either. It really was extreme behaviour."
Following the hearing, Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins of West Yorkshire Police confirmed that internal disciplinary action will now follow.
"Sgt Howard has taken responsibility for his actions, and this behaviour falls well below the standards we expect," she said.
"Now that the case has concluded, misconduct proceedings will be considered."

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