PCSO Convicted for Leaking Confidential Data to Machete Gang
Police officer Alice Dobson shared investigation details with suspects behind a brutal Bradford attack.
1Officer Found Guilty of Misconduct
Alice Dobson, a 31-year-old Police Community Support Officer, was found guilty of perverting the course of justice and misconduct in public office. She admitted to accessing confidential police systems without authorization. Her actions involved sharing sensitive investigation details with members of a violent gang involved in a machete attack.
2Brutal Machete Attack Details
The case stems from a May 2025 ambush in Tickhill Street, Bradford, where two men were attacked after their car was rammed. Victim Zayad Khan suffered a severed hand and partial leg amputation. His hand was later reattached, but the incident left both victims with severe, life-altering physical injuries.
3Gang Members Convicted of Conspiracy
Five men, including Rahees Khan, Mohammed Waqqas Khan, Hanzalah Saladin, and Adam Takolia, were found guilty of conspiracy to murder. The group orchestrated the ambush as a calculated, pre-planned act of violence. They remain in custody awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled to take place at Bradford Crown Court on February 8.
4Breach of Public Trust
Judge Jonathan Rose emphasized that Dobson abused her position of authority to obstruct justice. Although she claimed she was seeking leads, the judge rejected her explanation, noting she had no operational justification for her actions. She had met one of the primary suspects while performing voluntary work at a community project.
5Jury Tampering Allegations
The legal process faced significant disruption when Judge Rose discharged the jury in August following allegations of jury tampering. Consequently, the judge delivered the final verdicts himself. Further investigations into witness intimidation are ongoing, with Amir Khan and two women recently arrested or charged in connection with these specific legal threats.
6Sentencing Expectations
Judge Rose warned Dobson that she faces a significant custodial sentence for her role in the conspiracy. The court viewed her actions as a grave offense that undermined the integrity of the justice system. While she was released on bail, the sentencing date for her specific crimes is yet to be fixed.
7Police Internal Disciplinary Action
West Yorkshire Police confirmed that Dobson remains suspended from duty following her conviction. She is set to face a gross misconduct hearing in due course. The force expressed deep concern over the breach of trust, stating that such behavior is entirely incompatible with the standards expected of those serving the community.
8Impact of Judicial Obstruction
This case highlights the severe consequences of internal corruption within law enforcement agencies. By leaking information to violent criminals, the officer directly jeopardized the safety of victims and the efficacy of the investigation. The legal proceedings continue as authorities address both the original violent crimes and the subsequent attempts to intimidate.
Original article: BBC News – England — PCSO Convicted for Leaking Confidential Data to Machete Gang