Sussex police officer cleared of controlling and coercive behaviour towards ex-partner

The woman, also a serving police officer, claimed the alleged behaviour happened both while he was on duty and off duty

Author: Isabella HudsonPublished 9th Feb 2026

A Sussex Police officer has been found not guilty of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour against his former partner.

Sam James Wilson, aged 31, faced the charge following an investigation by the force’s Safeguarding Investigations Unit.

Once the alleged offence was reported, the officer was suspended from duty.

During a six-day trial at Kingston Crown Court, the accusations were said to have occurred from January 2022 until August 2023 while the two were in a relationship.

The woman, also a serving police officer, claimed the alleged behaviour happened both while Wilson was on duty and off duty.

Wilson pleaded not guilty to the offence.

On 9th February, a jury returned a verdict of not guilty.

Now that criminal proceedings have concluded, Sussex Police will decide on any potential misconduct proceedings.

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