Former Yorkshire police officer admits inappropriate relationship with crime victim

A former student police officer in Yorkshire has admitted misconduct in a public office after instigating an inappropriate relationship with the victim of a crime.

Robert Veza was serving on a neighbourhood policing team in Sheffield for South Yorkshire Police in 2023 when he first contacted the victim to discuss a crime she had reported.

Over the following months the 45-year-old began an “inappropriate sexual relationship” that continued into 2024, South Yorkshire Police said.

He was reported to the force’s Professional Standards Department and an investigation was launched.

He was arrested and suspended from duty in September 2024.

Veza, of Sheffield, was summonsed to court to face the charge of misconduct in a public office in February 2026.

He had initially denied the offence, but pleaded guilty on Monday (Sep 28) when his trial was due to start at Sheffield Crown Court.

He will be sentenced on October 14.

A statement from South Yorkshire Police said: “Veza was in his probation period with the force at the time of his offending. He resigned in January of this year.

“An internal misconduct investigation has been ongoing alongside the criminal proceedings and following his guilty plea this will now progress despite his resignation.

“We will root out any officers, staff members or volunteers who fail to reflect the values of our organisation and fall below the standards members of the public rightly expect.”