Married top cop, 41, resigns after breaking lockdown for sex with trainee, 24, he helped join force
Chief superintendent Daniel Greenwood, who led West Yorkshire Police’s Covid enforcement team, admitted gross misconduct after engaging in a sexual relationship with probationary officer Caitlin Howarth. Greenwood, 41, of Bingley, West Yorkshire, faced allegations of gross misconduct between March 2019 and November 2021 at a police disciplinary hearing and resigned from the force.
Probationary officer Howarth met Greenwood in March 2020 with his help to join the force. His misconduct came to light when Howarth began a sexual relationship with a drug dealer she met on Tinder. Greenwood had facilitated Howarth’s application and expedited her entry into the force.
During the disciplinary hearing, it was revealed that Greenwood had joined the MoD in 2003 before transferring to West Midlands Police and then to West Yorkshire Police in 2006, quickly rising through the ranks to become chief superintendent in March 2020. The panel heard about their sexual encounters and exchanges, with Greenwood even aiding her in passing a police test.
Greenwood continued his inappropriate pursuit of Howarth, breaking lockdown rules to engage in sexual activities with her, even visiting her at her home while on duty. After Howarth started a relationship with a drug dealer, Greenwood tried to conceal their previous misconduct.
Greenwood’s misconduct, fuelled by alcohol addiction issues and described as engaging with a much younger subordinate, resulted in his resignation from the force. Howarth has already resigned from West Yorkshire Police and faces a future disciplinary hearing.
Despite his addiction struggles, Greenwood’s legal representative stated that he admitted gross misconduct and acknowledged the end of his policing career, which could have seen him become a top officer. The panel decided Greenwood would have been dismissed had he not resigned prior to the hearing.
The case against Howarth was discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service, and she has been acquitted of misconduct. Despite the turbulent events, Greenwood is now focused on building a new life for himself and his family, with the support of his wife and children.
The resignation of the married top cop, following his breach of lockdown rules for an illicit relationship with a trainee, reflects the consequences of gross misconduct within law enforcement authorities in the UK.