Detective barred for sexually harassing colleague

Det Sgt Sebastian Day was based at the Brighton and Hove division of Sussex Police

A former Sussex Police detective would have been sacked had he not resigned after sexually harassing a female colleague, a misconduct hearing has ruled.

Det Sgt Sebastian Day sent "sexually suggestive" texts to the woman, who is a member of police staff, while on and off duty, police said.

The 39-year-old was suspended when the allegations were reported in April 2021 but resigned in November 2022.

He has been placed on the College of Policing barred list, which will stop him from returning to policing.

A misconduct hearing in Lewes on Monday was told that Mr Day, who was based at the Brighton and Hove division, sent the messages to his colleague on 23 April 2021.

The panel found the allegation of sexual harassment proven and said it amounted to gross misconduct.

Det Supt Andy Wolstenholme, deputy head of the force's professional standards department, said: "Whether on or off duty, police officers must behave in a manner that doesn't discredit the police service or undermine the confidence of the public in our officers.

"All staff are aware of appropriate professional boundaries and the serious consequences when there is any abuse of their position."