Police officer describes affair claim as 'fantasy'

Sussex chief inspector David Rolls is on trial at Lewes Crown Court

A chief inspector has described claims by a junior police officer that he took advantage of her sexually as a "fantasy".

David Rolls, 46, was serving with Sussex Police at the time of the alleged relationship.

He denies misconduct in public office by forming a sexual relationship with another officer, who was struggling with her mental health, between 2016 and 2018.

He told Lewes Crown Court: "My children and my wife will always be the most important thing to me."

Prosecutor Alisdair Smith said someone in his position should have, or would have, realised having sex with someone who was vulnerable was an "improper thing to do".

Jurors have heard the pair allegedly exchanged intimate messages and pictures. On one occasion Rolls is alleged to have asked for a hug while he was aroused, and asked the woman to give him oral sex, which she did.

Mr Rolls, who resigned from the force in March 2023, denies claims he had engaged in sexual activity with the female officer as a "fantasy".

He also denies exchanging intimate photos with the woman.

'Intimate photos'

He admitted he had given her a hug on one occasion to comfort her, but denied using visits to her home to check on her wellbeing were used as an excuse to have a sexual relationship.

Mr Rolls added he did not think the complainant was attractive, adding: "She reminded me of a senior colleague with a different haircut.

He denied showing or sending naked photos of himself to the complainant, but admitted he would share such photos with his wife.

He said the complainant had not sent naked photos of herself to him and he had not asked for "increasingly intimate photos of her".

"She never sent any images to me, it's something that didn't involve me," he told the court.

He said the complainant had sent him a message asking him if he wanted to meet at a hotel in Kent for a drink, which he said he had found "odd".

When asked by Mr Smith if he believed the proposal was sexually motivated, Mr Rolls replied that "nothing I did at any time would have given that impression".

The trial continues.

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