Sussex police officer dismissed after sexual relationship with vulnerable woman
A misconduct hearing ruled the officer’s relationship with a vulnerable woman was predatory and dishonest
Last updated 2nd Jul 2025
A Sussex police officer has been dismissed without notice after he used his position to start a sexual relationship with a vulnerable member of the public.
The misconduct hearing took place on 1 and 2 July at Sussex Police headquarters, with a panel chaired by an independent legally qualified chair (LQC) who granted anonymity to both the officer, known only as PC X, and the woman, referred to as Ms A.
The panel heard that PC X contacted Ms A through social media, identifying himself as a police officer. Ms A told him she was vulnerable and that her doctor had recommended she get an advocate to help her with dealings involving the police and social services. PC X volunteered to act as her advocate.
Between March and June 2021, PC X pursued a sexual relationship with Ms A. He declared her as a “notifiable associate” on a Sussex Police Personal Circumstances Form and described himself as her friend and advocate. When asked to clarify his role by a supervisor, he said he was “acting as advocate and friend assisting a disabled person through their contact with social services.” He never declared the intimate relationship.
The panel found that PC X abused his position of trust and authority in a predatory and manipulative way. It also ruled that his statements about the relationship were dishonest. An allegation that he smoked cannabis and allowed Ms A to do so was not proven.
PC X was found to have breached professional standards on honesty, integrity, authority, respect, courtesy, and discreditable conduct, amounting to gross misconduct. He was dismissed without notice and placed on the College of Policing Barred list, preventing him from returning to policing.
Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme, deputy head of the force Professional Standards Department, said: “When police officers or staff abuse their position of trust for a sexual purpose, particularly in respect of vulnerable people, such behaviour represents a fundamental betrayal of the public and the values for which the police service stands. It lets down the vast majority of their colleagues who act with professionalism and integrity.”