Shipley police have vowed to win back the trust of the public after the jailing of disgraced beat bobby Ken Davies, pictured.

Speaking to Shipley and Baildon Police Community Forum last night Shipley Superintendent David Collins said: "It would be wrong of me not to mention the case of Ken Davies and I think it is right to talk about it at this public forum."

Former Windhill community constable Davies, 44, left, of Lea Field Crescent, Eccleshill, was jailed for nine months on Wednesday after being convicted of stealing £700 from an elderly widow while advising her on crime prevention.

Last night Supt Collins said: "He has brought shame upon himself, shame upon his family and shame upon the police. This was an isolated case but we did not cover it up and we dealt with it. Justice was done and was seen to be done. Now hopefully the community can move forward.

"I give my personal assurance to the community that they can trust us. Maybe we have to earn that trust again but we are determined to build any bridges necessary to do that.

"I give you my personal commitment that you are served in this area by honest officers."

The future of the forum was also called into question after a disappointing turn out at Shipley library. 24 people including nine police officers attended the meeting.

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