A serving West Yorkshire Police sergeant based in Leeds has been charged with sexual assault in relation to an alleged incident that occurred while he was off duty in 2025. The force has suspended the officer from duty ahead of a magistrates' court appearance in August.
Officer charged and suspended
West Yorkshire Police confirmed the officer named as Sergeant Stephen Costello has been charged with one count of sexual assault on a female aged over 16. The force said the alleged offence took place in Leeds in 2025 and that the sergeant will appear at Bradford Magistrates' Court on 4 August.
The force's statement said the officer has been suspended from duty while court proceedings are pending.
"Sergeant Stephen Costello, 34, who is based in Leeds, is charged with one count of sexual assault on a female over the age of 16. The charge relates to an off-duty offence in Leeds in 2025. He will appear at Bradford Magistrates’ Court on 4 August and is suspended from duty."
Discrepancy over reported age
Initial reports gave the officer's age as 30, while the force's formal spokesperson quoted above described him as 34. The court listing and the force statement are the authoritative public record for the charge and the scheduled hearing.
What is known
- Charge: one count of sexual assault on a female aged over 16.
- Alleged timing: while the officer was off duty in Leeds in 2025.
- Court appearance: Bradford Magistrates' Court, 4 August.
- Employment status: suspended from duty by West Yorkshire Police.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Named officer | Sergeant Stephen Costello |
| Charge | Sexual assault (female over 16) |
| Alleged offence occurred | Leeds, 2025 |
| Next court date | Bradford Magistrates' Court, 4 August |
| Current status | Suspended from duty |
Public interest and accountability
The prosecution of a serving police officer touches on wider questions of public confidence in local policing and the mechanisms through which officers are held to account. Under the force's policies and national guidance, officers suspended while subject to criminal charges are typically removed from operational duties pending the outcome of legal and internal disciplinary processes.
Local residents and victims’ advocates often look to transparent handling of such cases, including prompt communication from forces and independent oversight where appropriate. The Crown Prosecution Service and courts process criminal charges independently of internal disciplinary procedures.
What to expect next
The case will progress through the magistrates' court on 4 August, where the charge will be formally presented. Further public information should follow either through court listings or statements from West Yorkshire Police and, if proceeded with, from the Crown Prosecution Service.
InfoRadar will continue to follow the case and publish updates after the court hearing and any subsequent developments in the criminal or professional disciplinary processes.
