Jury clears Sussex police inspector of misconduct

David Rolls was found not guilty after he faced a trial at Lewes Crown Court

A detective chief inspector who was accused of taking sexual advantage of a junior police officer has been found not guilty of misconduct in public office.

David Rolls, 46, had denied the charge during a trial at Lewes Crown Court, where he described the claims as a “fantasy”.

Mr Rolls was serving with Sussex Police between 2016 and 2018 at the time of the allegation. He resigned from the force in March last year.

Det Ch Insp Mark Cullinore, of Sussex Police, said: “It was important that this case was decided by a jury...We acknowledge and respect the decision they came to.”

Mr Rolls was alleged to have had an affair with an officer who was described as being “vulnerable” and struggling with her mental health.

Mr Cullinore said the matter was referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct, who directed that Sussex Police’s professional standards department should conduct a local investigation.

Criminal charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service last year.

The force would progress internal misconduct proceedings now the criminal investigation had concluded, Mr Cullinore said.