Rape case dropped against Sussex Police officer

A case against a Sussex Police officer charged with rape and three other sexual offences has been discontinued.

23 year old PC Thomas Rendell was due to stand trial in September 2026 charged with:

• Raping a girl aged 13 to 15

• Attempting to cause a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in penetrative sexual activity

• Engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15

• Engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with girl aged 13 to 15

Sussex Police say Rendell was not a serving officer at the time of the alleged offences between the 1st of February and 30th of June 2022.

Following a review of the evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service has concluded that there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.

The officer, who was based on East Sussex division, remains suspended from duty.

The matter was referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct who directed that a local investigation by the Professional Standards Department should be conducted.

The force say it will now commence misconduct proceedings against the officer.

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