Lewes Crown Court is currently hearing a case involving Detective Chief Inspector David ‘Will’ Rolls, who stands accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a vulnerable junior officer while on duty. Rolls, a married man and former detective chief inspector with Sussex Police faces charges of misconduct in a public office. The court heard allegations that Rolls exploited his senior position to take advantage of the female officer, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
According to the prosecution, Rolls initiated a series of flirtatious interactions with the junior officer, eventually escalating to explicit messages and visits to her home. Jurors were presented with evidence suggesting that Rolls sent explicit photographs of himself to the officer and engaged in sexual activities with her, including filming or taking photos on his mobile phone during their encounters.
The court was told that the alleged victim, who had suffered health problems, felt pressured to comply with Rolls’ requests due to his seniority within the police force. In a police interview video played to the court, the junior officer recounted how Rolls visited her home while on duty, wearing his police uniform, and engaged in sexual acts with her.
The prosecution argued that Rolls abused his position of authority to exploit the vulnerable officer for his own sexual gratification. The jury heard testimonies detailing how Rolls manipulated the officer into sending explicit photographs and videos, despite her discomfort.
Furthermore, the court learned that the junior officer’s husband discovered explicit images of her on an old mobile phone, leading to their separation and divorce.
Rolls, who denies all charges, faces trial as the court continues to examine the evidence and testimonies surrounding the case. The proceedings shed light on the alleged misconduct within Sussex Police and raise questions about the abuse of power within the Police.
