Police officer could face charges after alleged incident in Eastbourne

A serving Sussex Police officer could face criminal charges for allegedly looking into police files after an alleged race-related incident in Eastbourne.
PolicePolice
Police

The news comes as the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) close its investigation into the behaviour of two officers while off-duty in Eastbourne on September 5, 2015.

One of the officers, Chief Superintendent Neil Honnor, was suspended from duty at the request of the IPCC while the other officer – an inspector – has not been suspended.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The IPCC confirmed Mr Honnor is not being considered for any criminal charges as a result of its investigation but said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will now consider if it will make any criminal charges against the other officer for computer misuse and data protection offences.

An IPCC spokesman said, “The IPCC investigation into the off-duty behaviour of two Sussex officers has been completed.

“We have passed our findings to Sussex Police to consider and have also referred a file to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider any criminal charges for computer misuse and data protection offences.

“The final IPCC report will be published following the outcome of any internal disciplinary hearings or any criminal proceedings.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The investigation was into allegations that, while off-duty in Eastbourne, two officers were argumentative with two different taxi drivers and one of the officers made threats to have the taxi licence removed from one of them.

It was also alleged that during the journey home the senior officer made racist and offensive remarks to a taxi driver who subsequently complained to Sussex Police.

Responding to the report, Deputy Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney said, “We can acknowledge that we have received the findings of the IPCC’s independent investigation and are considering it.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at Text to display

3) Follow us on Twitter @Eastbournenews

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Eastbourne Herald - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.