Police officer dismissed following disciplinary hearing

A police officer has been dismissed after a disciplinary hearing heard he had acted inappropriately towards his female colleagues.

PC Lochlan Bashford, 23, who was based at Brighton Police Station appeared before a misconduct hearing held at Sussex Police headquarters in front of a panel led by an Independent Legally Qualified Chair (LQC).

LQCs are selected from a list of independent, legally-qualified persons to conduct police misconduct hearings, and are governed by Police Conduct Regulations. LQCs work with the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and others to instil and embed as much transparency and proportionality into misconduct hearings.

The hearing which was held over three days from Monday 13 November heard that the officer had demonstrated sexualised behaviour and had made inappropriate comments towards women colleagues at work and out of work on numerous occasions of duty.  

He was placed on restricted duties while an investigation was carried out.

The panel found that his behaviour had breached standards of professional behaviour in respect of Authority, Respect and Courtesy and Discreditable Conduct and this amounted to gross misconduct.

The officer was dismissed without notice and will now be added to the College of Policing Barred list which will prevent a return to policing.

Detective Superintendent Jon Robeson, deputy head of the force Professional Standards Department said: “We expect the highest personal and professional standards of our officers and staff and any allegations of behaviour that do not meet those standards are rigorously investigated in accordance with the relevant Police Conduct Regulations. All sexual-related complaints and misconduct are reviewed by our Professional Standards Department to ensure that they are investigated proportionately.

“We have invested in a comprehensive programme of cultural change towards challenging, reporting and tackling unethical or unprofessional behaviour and ensuring a culture where colleagues have the confidence to come forward and report such behaviour.

 “Criminal behaviour, misconduct, and misogyny have no place in Sussex Police.

“The actions of this officer in this case fell far short of the standards we expect, which is reflected in the findings by the panel.”