Decorated Sussex police officer took own life after misconduct arrest and work related trauma, inquest finds
Sergeant Benjamin Websdale was found dead in his home in January 2025
A decorated Sussex Police officer took his own life after work-related trauma and being arrested for misconduct, an inquest has concluded.
Sergeant Benjamin Websdale was found dead in his home in January 2025, after being accused of privately messaging a vulnerable woman he'd met through work on Facebook.
The investigation followed Ben's mental health "deteriorating" when a young person he released from custody took his own life, and during the subsequent inquest.
The coroner added the 50-year-old "did not have any mental health history" prior to the incidents.
Police "still learning"
Earlier this week, Benjamin's ex-wife Michelle accused Sussex Police of subjecting him to a 'witch-hunt' - with an arrest being made within hours, when he'd clocked in for an overtime shift.
Sussex Police's Head of Professional Standards told the court although it was their "duty" to investigate the allegations, it was "still learning" and it's "reflected" on the planning of arrests and welfare provisions.
He added that misconduct proceedings "take too long" and have a "significant impact" on the people facing them.
The court also heard evidence from the Police Federation, who presented data from 35 forces that showed between 2025 and 2026, 129 officers under investigation attempted or considered taking their own life.
In a statement read to the court, his ex-wife Michelle - who Ben had moved back in with after suffering trauma at work - said: "Ben had a big heart and was always willing to go the extra mile to help others.
"Ben had received many commendations in his career for his outstanding work.
"We have always accepted that the police were entitled to ask questions and to seek clarification of his offers of support.
"Our concern was the way the police investigation was conducted.
"We believe the decision to arrest was premature without any proper inquiry into the facts and the investigation oppressive.
"Ultimately, it drove Ben to his death. "We hope that Sussex Police learn from this and changes are made."
We're awaiting a statement from Sussex Police.