HNK Client Successful in £28,000 Sexual Misconduct and Misfeasance Case Against The Chief Constable of Sussex Police

HNK Solicitors successfully helped a client obtain £28,000 in damages and legal costs from The Chief Constable of Sussex Police after they suffered sexual misconduct and misfeasance in public office at the hands of a Sussex Police Officer.

This case is an example of an officer abusing their power to commit sexual misconduct against a member of the public, something which is sadly becoming more and more common. Since the tragic case of Sarah Everard who was abducted, raped and murdered by the then serving Metropolitan officer Wayne Couzens, there have been many recent reports of sexual misconduct by officers. This includes the recent case of a Merseyside Police Officer who was jailed for four years after he was found to have established intimate relationships with three women who had been victims of domestic and sexual abuse which we reported on recently.

Earlier this year it was reported that dozens of police officers are being convicted of crimes including rape and sexual assault in three years since Sarah Everard’s murder. At least 119 officers have been convicted of these crimes, but the number is actually likely much higher as only 19 of the 48 forces provided details of officers convictions, and the Metropolitan Police was not one of them.

This kind of behaviour is absolutely unacceptable, and police officers should be held to account for this. Read on to find out how HNK Solicitor, Vivian Lee, supported one claimant in getting the compensation they deserved for their mistreatment.

Background

In April 2012, an Inspector of Sussex Police attended N’s home address to discuss the possibility of removing her police caution from the Police National Computer (“PNC”).

The Inspector formed an improper relationship and engaged in sexual activity with N for his own sexual purpose whilst on duty.

N filed a complaint and the matter was investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (“IOPC”).

It was concluded that based on the evidence presented, there was sufficient evidence upon which a reasonable tribunal, properly directed, could find gross misconduct in respect of the Inspector for engaging in sexual activity whilst on duty and forming inappropriate relationships with vulnerable members of the public met through the course of his duties.

Following a misconduct hearing on 24th January 2020, the Panel found that the Inspector breached the standards of professional behaviour and was dismissed from his job role.

The civil case for damages

The Claimant instructed HNK Solicitors in March 2017, to represent her against The Chief Constable of Sussex Police. Following conclusion of the misconduct hearing, a Letter of Claim was served on the Defendant, claiming damages for misfeasance in public office and personal injury.

The Defendant put forward a low settlement offer of £1,000, without providing a response to liability.

HNK Solicitors obtained medical evidence on N’s behalf. Although N suffered with pre-existing psychological issues, N was diagnosed with a moderate adjustment disorder with anxiety due to the incident.

Outcome

Following negotiations, the claim was settled in early 2021 for £28,000 including legal costs.

HNK Solicitors can help with your action against the police claim

Police officers do not have the right to treat the public incorrectly or abuse their powers. There is strict guidance in place in the form of The Police and Criminal Evidence Act “PACE”. This clearly sets out rules which officers must follow, and if these are breached, it can be classed as misconduct.

If you have suffered misconduct at the hands of police officers, including false arrest and imprisonment, assault or battery, malicious prosecution, or police trespass to person, to name just a few, you could be entitled to claim compensation.

At HNK Solicitors we have a team of expert actions against the police solicitors who can help you get the compensation you deserve. With many years of experience helping clients, like the one in this case study above, make a claim against the police and fighting to get the correct amount of compensation. Often, without an expert solicitor helping you make a claim, you could be offered a lot less than you deserve, as was the case with this claim. HNK Solicitors have a deep understanding of the relevant laws and regulations around police misconduct and police claims though so they will ensure you get a settlement that you are entitled to and are happy with.

If you have suffered any form of police misconduct and would like more information about how to make a claim and the next steps, arrange a free consultation with a member of our team today. Call us on 0151 668 0809, email us at enquiries@hnksolicitors.com or fill in our online claim form and a member of our team will be in touch.