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Posted on the 7th August 2026 in PHTM News

FORMER WEST YORKS POLICE SERGEANT WHO PUNCHED AND STRANGLED CABBIE WOULD HAVE BEEN SACKED

A misconduct hearing has ruled that a former West Yorkshire Police sergeant would have been dismissed from the force for punching and strangling a taxi driver if he had not already resigned.

Edward Howard, 28, from Shelf, Halifax, carried out the attack near Cleckheaton on November 10, 2025, after becoming heavily intoxicated following a night out in Leeds city centre.

Leeds Magistrates' Court previously heard that Howard placed his hands around the driver's neck, subjected him to verbal abuse, and punched him six times in the head during the journey home.

Debbie Tedds, who chaired the police misconduct hearing at force headquarters in Wakefield, noted that the victim suffered neck pain and "genuinely feared for his life and has been left deeply shaken by the incident."

For his crimes, Howard pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and assault, receiving a 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work, alongside orders to pay £400 compensation, a £114 victim surcharge, and £85 in prosecution costs.

Although the panel acknowledged that Howard was previously an effective and well-regarded officer who showed genuine remorse, made early admissions, and self-reported the incident, the panel concluded that his actions were too severe for a lesser punishment.

Ruling that anything short of dismissal would have undermined public confidence, Ms Tedds stated that his behaviour "falls well below the standards we expect."

Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins, Head of Professional Standards, added that it is vital officers lead by example both on and off duty.

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