A former Huddersfield police officer has been convicted of perverting the course of justice after attempting to avoid penalties for speeding offences in 2025. Abigail Byrne, 29, pleaded guilty to two counts of the charge at Sheffield Crown Court on 7 May 2026, alongside her partner, Sharndelle Firth, who also entered guilty pleas.
The offences took place in January 2025, when Byrne was caught by speed cameras on the A629 Wakefield Road in Huddersfield on two separate occasions. Following the incidents, Firth falsely accepted responsibility for the speeding violations, including taking a speed awareness course and penalty points on Byrne’s behalf to help her avoid the official sanctions.
The matter was referred by West Yorkshire Police to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in June 2025. Following a directed investigation, Byrne was suspended from her duties in September 2025. She later resigned from the force in April 2026.
At the court hearing, Judge Sarah Wright warned both Byrne and Firth that all sentencing options remain open, including immediate custody, due to the serious nature of the offences. The pair are expected to be sentenced on 17 July 2026.
Beyond the criminal court proceedings, Byrne will face a gross misconduct hearing. This disciplinary process will determine if she is barred from working in policing in the future.
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