Sussex officer sacked for sending inappropriate WhatsApp messages

PC Peter May was found to have tried to pursue a relationship with a woman he met during a criminal investigation.

Author: Ellie RobsonPublished 16th Sep 2025

A police officer in Sussex who engaged in an inappropriate WhatsApp conversation with a member of the public has been dismissed without notice.

PC Peter May was subject to a two-day misconduct hearing.

PC May was accused of engaging in a conversation via WhatsApp with a woman he met in the course of a criminal investigation – including offering that she could stay at his house or go for a drink together. This was motivated by a desire to pursue a sexual and improper relationship with her.

The hearing found PC May’s behaviour amounted to gross misconduct, as a breach of the standards of professional behaviour, namely lack of integrity.

He has been dismissed without notice.

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