A Bradford police officer has been cleared of allegations of fraud and deception after a flawed inquiry was carried out by the West Yorkshire force.

Kashif Ahmed, 33, and his co-accused, Shamim Khan, 47, had all charges against them dismissed by a judge at Bradford Crown Court after revelations about the way officers investigated the case.

Judge Peter Benson, ruling in their favour to stay the prosecution, found that there was a “very significant irregularity and impropriety at the root of the investigation” and the whole process was “tarnished.”

Judge Benson described two police witnesses, who gave evidence in court during Mr Ahmed and Miss Khan’s application to dismiss the case, as “evasive.” And he said a detective sergeant, who opened a CD document containing privileged “proof of evidence” contact between Mr Ahmed and his solicitor, had not told the truth.

The judge said he did not accept the evidence of the officer, of 18 years’ experience, that she did not realise the significance of the document.

He added: “It seems to me there has been an economy with the truth about this document.”

Judge Benson said it was an admitted fact that the detective sergeant, who took a very active part in the conduct of the case, had read the proof of evidence and took no steps to alert the Crown Prosecution Service, or any senior police officer, to it.

The judge added: “It seems to me that’s an affront to justice to such an extent that proceedings of the entirety of this indictment should be stayed against both these defendants.” He discharged Mr Ahmed and Miss Khan after prosecutor Desmond Rosario yesterday said the prosecution did not intend to appeal, or seek permission to do so.

Judge Benson said: “The matters are at an end.”

Mr Ahmed, of Toller Lane, Heaton, was suspended by West Yorkshire Police, where he served at the Leeds North-West division, pending the outcome of the case.

He had pleaded not guilty to a total of ten charges of obtaining pecuniary advantage by deception and fraud.

Miss Khan, of Avondale Road, Shipley, denied two charges.

After the case, Mr Ahmed said he was intending to go on a pilgrimage for a period to reflect and recover.

He said: “The last two years have been a nightmare and I have needed counselling. I would not wish on anyone what I have had to endure by those who are entrusted to protect society. I am relieved the matter is finally over and I can now get on with rebuilding my life.

“This case highlights very serious integrity issues with police officers from the West Yorkshire Police Professional Standards Department. It also highlights a number of serious failings. I would like an independent review by the Independent Police Complaints Commission into issues surrounding the case to prevent this type of situation occurring again.”

Miss Khan did not want to comment.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “We are very disappointed that the full circumstances and evidence in this case won’t now be put before a judge and jury.

“West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Department will now consider the disciplinary aspects of this case.”

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