A murder squad detective’s career was in ruins after he was‎ convicted of a drunken and “unprovoked” attack in a pub while shouting: “I’m a copper. I will do what I like.”

Det Sgt Paul Whiteley, 51, was found guilty after four hours of deliberations by Scarborough Magistrates and a two -day trial.

Whiteley, of Grange Moor, , and then partner Claire Hughes, of Fulford Place, Hospital Fields Road, York, both denied assault by beating.

Whiteley showed no emotion as he was convicted - and his co-accused Miss Hughes, 43, was cleared.

He was fined £550 with £850 court costs with a £55 surcharge after the court sat until nearly 8pm to resolve the case.

The policeman has been a serving officer for more than 22 years, seven of them with the West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.

Mark Kelly. mitigating, said: “Clearly, this has enormous implications. He is going to lose his job as a result of this. He will be dismissed summarily I would imagine.

“This is catastrophic for him in terms of reputation built up over many years, his employment, and future prospects.”

Det Chief Supt Clive Wain, of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Department, said: “We are aware of the decision of the court in relation to this officer. West Yorkshire Police expects the very highest standards of its officers and staff, both on and off duty.

“The officer remains suspended from duty and an internal misconduct investigation will now commence.”

It was alleged during the trial that Whiteley and Miss Hughes had shared two and half bottles of red wine before they headed for the car park of the Fylingdales Inn, Fylingthorpe, near Whitby, one evening in May last year.

Holidaymaker Carl Sarsfield, 41, challenged the couple, thinking they were going to drive after they had been drinking.

Back inside the pub, Whiteley tore off his shirt and assaulted Mr Sarsfield - while Miss Hughes was accused of attacking Mr Sarsfield’s girlfriend Paula Crossley, 41.

Whiteley also hurled abuse at the Miss Crossley’s 19-year-old autistic daughter Mia, shouting: “F-ck your f-cking disabled child,” the trial was told.

Presiding Magistrate‎ Delia Liddle said Miss Crossley had “greatly exaggerated events,” adding: “The story of the assault on her is simply not plausible.”

But in Whiteley’case the offence was proved “and made more serious by being committed on licensed premises,” she said, adding:

“The family of the complainant and a disabled child were present and you were in drink.

Leaving court, Whiteley ‎said he would appeal against conviction.

Click here to take you back to more Huddersfield news.

Want to read, watch and hear more? You can download the FREE Examiner Apple App here, the FREE Examiner Android App here or you can view the paper as an e-edition on your Apple, Android or Kindle device by clicking here

To follow us on Twitter click here