EXCLUSIVE ‘They only went on one date’: Family of rookie police officer, 23, who was suspended ‘for fling with married superintendent’ say she is devastated over claims she also had an affair with heroin kingpin
A rookie police officer suspended from duty after an alleged improper relationship with a married chief superintendent is devastated by claims that she also had an affair with a drugs kingpin, her family said today.
Probationary PC Caitlin Howarth, 23, was placed on suspension in a Line of Duty-style internal investigation by West Yorkshire Police more than a year ago, along with her Bradford district commander Chief Superintendent Daniel Greenwood, 39, amid allegations of an affair.
But earlier this week, new claims emerged that PC Howarth had a separate fling with a heroin dealer, now behind bars, but her family have now dismissed suggestions of a long-term relationship.
Her uncle Michael Chapman insisted to MailOnline that the pair only went on one date, and she had no idea of his criminal background when she agreed to dinner and fully intends to clear her name.
Mr Chapman said: ‘It’s nonsense that she was in a relationship with a drugs kingpin.’
PC Caitlin Howarth (pictured) who was suspended from duty after an alleged improper relationship with a married police chief is now being investigated over an alleged affair with a drugs boss
PC Caitlin Howarth (pictured), then-aged 21, was suspended from West Yorkshire Police in November 2021 after being accused of having an affair with her commanding officer
‘She went on a single date with him and that was it. It was a long, long time ago and she had absolutely no idea about any involvement in drugs,’ Mr Chapman added.
‘She was never in a relationship with him and she’s been left quite upset about it all.’
There was no answer today at PC Howarth’s home, a £300,000 town house in Bingley, West Yorkshire, where she lives with her parents.
Mr Chapman’s comments came after claims that PC Howarth’s alleged relationship with her senior officer came to light following a separate investigation by anti-corruption police officers over her links with the drugs kingpin, now serving a lengthy sentence for supplying heroin.
PC Howarth and Ch. Supt Greenwood were both suspended in November 2021 as West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate launched an investigation which is still ongoing.
The force’s Chief Constable has been made aware of PC Howarth’s alleged misconduct.
At the time, a force spokesman said: ‘West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate are investigating alleged misconduct of officers in Bradford District.
‘Two officers have been suspended from duty pending the outcome of that investigation.’
Chief Supt Greenwood – a Bradford District Commander – has been in the West Yorkshire Police for almost 20 years.
The force’s Chief Constable John Robins will be given the final word on action taken against both officers.
Chief Supt Greenwood (pictured) – a Bradford District Commander – has been in the West Yorkshire Police for almost 20 years. He was also suspended following the alleged affair.
Rookie police constable Howarth, who lives with her mother in Bingley, West Yorkshire posts photos of herself in revealing clothing on social media – including to her Instagram account which has more than 10,000 followers.
She does not reference her job as a PC on her social media.
New PCs must serve two years as a probationary officer.
A police spokesperson told MailOnline today: ‘There is an ongoing investigation and for that reason we are not prepared to comment.’
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