In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that 42-year-old Patrick Banks, a former Detective Constable with West Yorkshire Police, was sentenced to three years in prison for sexual assault and corruption. Following a hearing at Sheffield Crown Court, the defendant—formerly based in Leeds—pleaded guilty to two counts of misconduct in a public office and one count of sexual assault. It was reported that Banks used his position of authority to target and inappropriately befriend two women during 2024 and 2025.
The investigation established that Banks’ offending occurred both on and off duty. West Yorkshire Police reported that the officer sent inappropriate messages to his first victim, visited her home multiple times while off duty, and sexually assaulted her by touching. The prosecution reported that Banks’ behavior included a highly offensive request for the woman to translate a sexually predatory message involving her underwear, leading to his arrest in April 2025.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that a second victim came forward following Banks’ initial arrest, revealing a similar pattern of predatory behavior. Sheffield Crown Court heard that Banks messaged this second woman regularly and visited her home on four occasions, only one of which was a legitimate, recorded police visit. The investigation established that Banks had already been subject to an accelerated gross misconduct hearing in October 2025, where it was determined he would have been dismissed had he not already resigned.
Judge-led proceedings concluded on 1 April 2026, with Banks receiving a three-year custodial sentence. For his actions in Leeds and his betrayal of public trust, he was also handed a seven-year restraining order and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. The judge noted that the charge of mobile phone theft would lie on file, emphasizing that Banks’ actions represented a grave breach of the oath he took to protect the public.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in England, the status of Patrick Banks as of April 2, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: Serving 3 years (Sentenced 1 April 2026; currently serving).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- Restraining Order: 7-year Restraining Order active until 2033.
- Professional Status: Dismissed in absence/Resigned (Barred from UK policing).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court, following a West Yorkshire Police Professional Standards investigation.
- Criminal Record: Sexual assault; Misconduct in a public office (2 counts).
- Origin: Leeds, West Yorkshire; Sentenced in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Banks is managed as a high-risk registered sex offender within the West Yorkshire area following his sentencing. Due to the nature of his conduct, which involved the predatory targeting of women he encountered through his role as a Detective Constable, his management is a maximum priority for the local MAPPA (Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements) team. Authorities state that his expertise in police systems and his history of unauthorized home visits necessitate the most rigorous level of post-release supervision.
As a registered sex offender for life, Banks’ details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his permanent inclusion on the College of Policing Barred List ensures he can never hold a position of authority in UK law enforcement again. Any failure to abide by his seven-year restraining order, any unauthorized contact with the victims in Leeds, or any attempt to misuse his former status will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from this individual.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.