A WEST Yorkshire Police officer has been given a written warning after a misconduct hearing into alleged failings in a child sexual exploitation investigation six years ago.

The hearing followed a voluntary referral by West Yorkshire Police to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which carried out an independent investigation resulting in recommendations regarding a number of officers.

During the nine-day misconduct hearing a three-strong panel led by an independent legally qualified chair and an independent lay person “thoroughly investigated” the allegations.

It found that charges against an Inspector and Sergeant were not proved, and a charge against a Constable was proved as misconduct with the officer receiving a written warning.

A spokesman for the force said: “West Yorkshire Police recognise the courage of the victim and the family in coming forward and reporting these offences and accept that they were let down. We are sorry for our failings, the majority of which were organisational, not individual failings when the case was investigated in 2011.

“Since this time our approach to child sexual exploitation has significantly changed – it is a top priority.”

Bradford Safeguarding Children’s Board has undertaken a separate multi-agency review of this case and will shortly publish its findings.

West Yorkshire Police said it was “committed to undertaking any further improvements the review recommends.”