Gross misconduct proven against former Sussex officer

Gross misconduct has been proven against a former police officer who falsely claimed to have viewed CCTV submitted as evidence to a criminal trial.

Sussex Police said former Det Con Jessica Newey would have been dismissed had she not resigned, following the outcome of an accelerated misconduct hearing.

The force said Newey had "proactively" admitted the breach, resulting in an investigation by its Professional Standards Department and a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Sussex Police said the outcome of the criminal trial was not affected by Newey's behaviour, and there was no evidence of any similar breaches relating to other investigations with which she was involved.

The force said Newey's hearing on Thursday related to breaches of the professional standards of honesty and integrity, orders and instructions, duties and responsibilities and discreditable conduct.

Gross misconduct was proven in relation to all of the breaches, it added.

Newey was told she would have been dismissed had she not resigned and was also placed on the College of Policing barred list, stopping her from serving as a police officer in future.

Det Supt Andy Wolstenholme said: "Maintaining the integrity of investigations is crucial to securing justice for victims.

"That relies on the honesty and diligence of our officers and, where that falls short, we will take appropriate action."

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