Public notification of misconduct hearing for former PC Lee Willis

Notice of a misconduct hearing to be held in public

Date: 8th and 9th September 2026

Time: 10:00 each day

Location: Sussex Police Headquarters, Church Lane, Lewes, BN7 2DZ

It is alleged that the former officer

1. made unsolicited and inappropriate comments towards/in the hearing of colleagues, and about members of the public, which were sexualised, sexually explicit, misogynistic, sexist and degrading.
2. made unsolicited and inappropriate physical contact with colleagues when he knew or ought to have known that he did not have their consent to do so. 
3. created an environment where colleagues felt that they were unable to challenge him

The allegations are a breach of the following Standards of Professional Behaviour:

Discreditable Conduct: Police officers behave in a manner which does not discredit the police service or undermine public confidence in it, whether on or off duty.

Authority, Respect and Courtesy: Police officers act with self-control and tolerance, treating members of the public and colleagues with respect and courtesy.

Equality and Diversity: Police officers act with fairness and impartiality. They do not discriminate unlawfully or unfairly. If proven, the above matters jointly and separately amount to gross misconduct.

Conditions of attendance 

Members of the media and public may attend subject to the following conditions: 

• Before completing an application to attend, please read the conditions of entry to understand what may be required of you on the day. You must confirm that you have read and agree to abide by the conditions of entry.
   
• The conditions include that: 
  
  
  • The taking of photographs and the use of film or sound recording equipment during the hearing, except for official use, is prohibited. 
  • There may be parts of the hearing which are held in private session; if that is the case, any accredited member of the media or public attending the hearing will be asked to leave during the private session and will be informed by the Hearings Officer when they can return.
  • Any members of the media or public attending the hearing must adhere to reporting restrictions imposed by the Chair namely that some parties involved in this case are to be referred to by ciphers and their details are not to be revealed. This will be throughout the proceedings and any public record of it and their identity should not be revealed in any way.

Attendance by members of the media 

• Any accredited member of the media attending the hearing must produce valid identification. 
  
  
• The media may make written representations upon the reporting restrictions to the Chair by 7 September. Such representations are to be sent to [email protected] 

How to request to attend this hearing.