Criminal proceedings against former Sussex Police officer dismissed

The case against a former Sussex Police officer who was charged with assaulting two members of public, being drunk and disorderly and using threatening behaviour to commit harassment has been dismissed.

No evidence was offered by the Crown Prosecution Service against ex-PC Dale Hughes who was due to stand trial on 2 February after he pleaded not guilty to the charges. They were in relation to an alleged incident in Worthing on 2 December 2023, while he was off duty.

The matter was referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct who directed that a local investigation by the force’s Professional Standards Department should be conducted. No further action was taken following the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision to not pursue the charges.

Mr Hughes resigned from the force on 7 May 2024. Misconduct proceedings will not be pursued following conclusion of the criminal investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Amy Cutting said: "It is right that any allegations made against officers are investigated thoroughly and proportionately.

"These reports were subjected to an internal investigation against a criminal threshold, with a final charging decision made by the Crown Prosecution Service.

“We will continue to investigate allegations against the relevant legislative framework and professional standards of behaviour.”