Police officer sacked for inappropriate behaviour

PC Lochlan Bashford appeared before a misconduct hearing at Sussex Police headquarters

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

PC Lochlan Bashford, 23, demonstrated sexualised behaviour and made inappropriate comments at work and out of work on numerous occasions.

He appeared before a three-day misconduct hearing led by an Independent Legally Qualified Chair (LQC).

Det Supt Jon Robeson said: “Criminal behaviour, misconduct and misogyny have no place in Sussex Police.”

Bashford, who was based at Brighton Police Station, was placed on restricted duties while an investigation was carried out.

'Highest personal and professional standards'

The panel found that his conduct had breached standards of professional behaviour which amounted to gross misconduct.

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

Det Supt Robeson said the highest personal and professional standards were expected of officers.

“Any allegations of behaviour that do not meet those standards are rigorously investigated," he said.

“All sexual-related complaints and misconduct are reviewed by our Professional Standards Department to ensure that they are investigated proportionately.

“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.”