Ex-Sussex Police officer charged with misconduct

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The charges follow an IOPC investigation into allegations the officer abused his position for a sexual purpose

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A former Sussex Police officer has been accused of abusing his position for a sexual purpose following an investigation by the police watchdog.

Ex-police constable Jason Catton was charged with eight counts of misconduct in a public office.

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Two charges relate to Mr Catton allegedly forming relationships with women who were victims in investigations he was involved in.

Other charges relate to the former officer – who resigned in late 2021 - allegedly breaching Covid restrictions and encouraging others to breach the restrictions.

The alleged offences took place between September 2020 and January 2021.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it launched its investigation in January 2021, following a referral from Sussex Police.

It referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) after completing its probe in June 2022.

The CPS then authorised the charges.

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