Former Sussex PC 'pursued inappropriate relationships' with women he met through work
Sam Bate resigned from the force in January
A former Sussex police officer who was accused of pursuing relationships with women he met through his work has had the allegations proven against him.
Sam Bate, 26, was the subject of an accelerated misconduct hearing, which is held when there is undeniable evidence and it's in the public interest to remove the officer as soon as possible.
Bate faced allegations of breaching standards of professional behaviour following an investigation by the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) which found he pursued relationships with three separate young women.
The hearing heard he had inappropriate contact with a woman known as Ms A and conducted improper access to police records relating to her.
He failed to properly investigate a road traffic incident relating to another woman known as Ms B. He also had inappropriate contact with her and conducted improper access to police records relating to her.
He had inappropriate contact with a third woman known as Ms C and conducted improper access to police records relating to her.
PC Bate admitted the allegations, and resigned in January ahead of the hearing.
The allegations against PC Bate were found to be proven by Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who said: "We expect our officers to act with the upmost integrity, and in accordance with the force’s values, the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Professional Behaviour. The actions of the officer fell short of that, and there is no place in Sussex Police for such behaviour.
“I am extremely proud of the staff, officers and volunteers working for Sussex Police. The unacceptable conduct that has been heard here will not be tolerated. This poor behaviour should not overshadow the hard work of others.”