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A Sussex Police officer has been dismissed without notice after a misconduct panel ruled he abused his position of authority to pursue a sexual relationship with a vulnerable woman he met while on duty.
The misconduct hearing, held on 1 and 2 July at Sussex Police headquarters, found that PC X—whose identity is protected by order of the Legally Qualified Chair (LQC)—contacted the woman, Ms A, via social media, identifying himself as a police officer. Ms A had disclosed her vulnerability and said she had been advised by her GP to seek an advocate for her interactions with police and social services.
PC X volunteered himself as her advocate, despite the inappropriate nature of that role, and went on to initiate a sexual relationship between March and June 2021.
Hidden Relationship and Dishonesty
PC X listed Ms A as a “notifiable associate” on his force’s Personal Circumstances Form, describing her simply as a friend he was assisting. When questioned by a supervisor about his involvement, he falsely claimed he was helping a disabled person, failing to disclose the true nature of the relationship.
While allegations that PC X had also smoked cannabis with Ms A were not proven, the panel concluded he had acted dishonestly, and demonstrated manipulative and predatory behaviour toward a known vulnerable person.
Gross Misconduct Confirmed
The panel found that PC X had breached standards of honesty, integrity, authority, respect and discreditable conduct, concluding his actions amounted to gross misconduct. As a result, he has been:
- Dismissed from Sussex Police without notice
- Added to the College of Policing’s Barred List, prohibiting him from working in UK policing in the future
Force Condemns Officer’s Behaviour
Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme, Deputy Head of Sussex Police’s Professional Standards Department, said:
“When police officers or staff abuse their position of trust for a sexual purpose, particularly with vulnerable people, it represents a fundamental betrayal of the public and the values the police service stands for.
It lets down the vast majority of their colleagues who act with professionalism and integrity.”
Public Hearing Restrictions
While the hearing was held publicly, both PC X and Ms A were granted anonymity to protect the identities of those involved, given Ms A’s vulnerability.
This case marks the latest in a series of public misconduct hearings aimed at holding officers accountable for abuses of power. The College of Policing’s Barred List now prevents PC X from ever returning to law enforcement in the UK.
