A former South Yorkshire Police officer has been sentenced for misconduct in a public office after beginning an inappropriate sexual relationship with a vulnerable crime victim. Robert Veza, 45, was a trainee officer with a neighbourhood policing unit in Sheffield in 2023 when he first made contact with the woman regarding a crime she had reported.
Late-night visit and exposure
Over the following months, his communications with her became increasingly personal. In early 2024, he visited her home late at night while her children were upstairs, under the pretence of helping her with another crime report. Before leaving, he kissed her and exposed himself to her.
Veza, who was still within his probationary period with the force, continued to contact and visit the woman, who had mental health issues and was in a vulnerable state. He began an inappropriate sexual relationship that continued through summer 2024.
Investigation and court proceedings
His actions came to light when the victim wrote a letter to a senior officer, revealing that a serving officer had visited her home multiple times and that matters had turned sexual. The letter was passed to the force's Professional Standards Department, which launched an investigation. Veza was identified, arrested, and suspended in September 2024.
In February 2026, he was summonsed to court on a charge of misconduct in a public office. He initially denied the charge. On September 28, the day his trial was due to begin at Sheffield Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to one count. On Wednesday, he received a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to pay costs and surcharges.
Force response
Veza resigned from the force in January. An internal misconduct inquiry has continued alongside the criminal case and will proceed despite his resignation.
DC Gary Godwin, the investigating officer, said: "Veza's offending is inexcusable. There is no place in South Yorkshire Police for people like him - he took advantage of a vulnerable member of our community who should have been able to place her trust in him.
"I'd like to praise the victim for her dignity during this investigation and thank her for supporting us to bring Veza to justice. I know this must have been particularly difficult in the knowledge the perpetrator was a serving police officer at the time and it was brave of her to reach out to another officer to tell us what had happened.
"Colleagues across the force are as shocked by Veza's actions as members of the public will be, and we will always investigate such cases without fear or favour."
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police stated: "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.
"If you have concerns about a member of our workforce who you believe is taking advantage of their role and abusing their position of power - for financial or sexual motivation, or motivated by hatred or prejudice - please contact us.
"If you'd rather not liaise directly with SYP, you can utilise Crimestoppers' Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service via their website or by dialling 0800 085 0000."
