Former Sussex Police investigator jailed for having sexual contact with crime victim
The officer initiated sexual contact with the woman during their first meeting in June 2021 at her home to discuss her case
A former Sussex Police investigator has been jailed for 12 months after admitting to abusing his position for a sexual purpose, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Ex-police staff member David Gamlin, 58, was sentenced today (16 October) at Southwark Crown Court.
Gamlin, formerly based at Worthing CID, pleaded guilty at a hearing on 30 June after the IOPC investigated reports that he exploited a vulnerable woman for sexual purposes while he was the investigating officer on her case.
The investigation found that the officer initiated sexual contact with the woman during their first meeting in June 2021 at her home, which had been arranged to discuss her case. Their relationship continued until she reported the misconduct to Sussex Police in September 2021.
IOPC director Emily Barry said: “The police are there to help the members of public they serve, not exploit them. Abuse of position for a sexual purpose is a serious breach of the public’s trust and undermines confidence in policing. Despite knowing that police employees must not, under any circumstances, use their professional position to engage in sexual or improper emotional contact with a vulnerable person, the former officer took advantage of this victim of crime. He has now admitted his guilt and been held accountable for his actions.”
The IOPC launched its investigation in September 2021 following a mandatory referral from Sussex Police. Investigators examined whether the officer’s actions amounted to abuse of position for a sexual purpose and if he pressured the complainant with the suggestion that he could assist her in getting her children back from foster care. The investigation also reviewed whether his conduct aligned with force policies and national guidelines. Evidence was gathered through interviews, examination of the officer’s mobile phone, and statements from the victim.
The investigation concluded in August 2022, after which a file was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Following additional investigatory work, the CPS authorized the charge. In March 2023, the officer was dismissed from Sussex Police for gross misconduct after a disciplinary hearing, which also considered a separate matter regarding inappropriate sexual comments to a female suspect. This too was subject to a linked IOPC investigation completed in August 2022.
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