Ex-Sussex Cop Hit With 18 New Charges! Former officer Christopher Mallet, 40, is deep in legal trouble. Already facing rape and sexual assault charges, the ex-Horsham cop now faces 18 fresh counts including corruption, data breaches, and misconduct in public office.
New Charges Laid Against Mallet
Mallet is accused of abusing his police powers to snoop on and keep personal data about women he met on duty. After quitting the force in 2019, he’s set to appear at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on 19 May to answer to these latest allegations.
- 3 counts of corrupt exercise of police powers
- 5 counts of unauthorised computer access
- 5 counts of unlawful disclosure of personal data
- 5 counts of unlawful retention of personal data
These charges follow a probe by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched in May 2019 after Sussex Police referred the case.
Ongoing Rape and Sexual Assault Trial
Mallet is also due to stand trial in March 2026 at Guildford Crown Court over rape and sexual assault relating to an alleged off-duty incident in May 2019. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) first authorised these charges in October 2024 after receiving evidence from the IOPC.
Further investigations brought forward the new corruption and data misuse charges last month.
IOPC Issues Strong Statement
“These charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged abuse of position for a sexual purpose. Police officers hold privileged access to personal information and powers, and any misuse is a significant breach of public trust.”
What’s Next?
- Next Court Date: 19 May 2025 at Guildford Magistrates’ Court
- Rape & Sexual Assault Trial: Begins 23 March 2026 at Guildford Crown Court
Calls For Police Reform
The case has sparked outcry over vetting and digital access controls in UK policing. Data protection groups and police watchdogs are watching closely as this high-profile trial unfolds.
