A West Yorkshire police officer, who was previously based in Huddersfield, has been suspended after being convicted of attacking a man in a bar.

PC Mark Carter could now face the sack after being found guilty of an assault in which he headbutted a man in the toilets of a popular gay club in Manchester.

A former Mr Gay UK Carter, of Moor Lane, Gomersal, near Cleckheaton, was convicted of assault by beating following a trial before Manchester magistrates.

Mr. Gay UK Mark Carter at the Pink Picnic in Huddersfield
Mr. Gay UK Mark Carter at the Pink Picnic in Huddersfield

West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that disciplinary action was taken against Carter but he has been allowed to keep his job.

Det Chief Supt Clive Wain, of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Department, said: “West Yorkshire Police expects the very highest standards of its officers and staff, both on and off duty.

“Criminal behaviour or conduct which falls below this standard will not be tolerated.

“We note the verdict of the court in relation to this officer. PC Carter remains suspended from duty ahead of an internal misconduct hearing.”

In June 2011 the openly gay officer was cleared of charges of raping a man and carrying out two sexual assaults.

Mark Carter
Mark Carter

He was also charged with possessing the anabolic steroid Stanozolol and had been due to face a trial but the Crown Prosecution Service discontinued that case after deciding he had the drugs for “a medicinal purpose” within the terms of the Medicines Act 1968.

He was allowed to return to work in Huddersfield but the Examiner understands he has since been transferred to duties elsewhere in the county.

The Examiner understands Carter will be appealing the assault conviction.