Former Sussex police officer to appear in court after assault charge

Michael Farley, 46, who was based at Gatwick police station, will appear at Staines Magistrates’ Court on Friday 18 July

Author: Leo ChristianPublished 16th Jul 2025

A former Sussex Police officer is due to make his first appearance in court on an assault charge on Friday, following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

Ex-PC Michael Farley, 46, who was based at Gatwick police station, will appear at Staines Magistrates’ Court on Friday 18 July charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

A spokesperson for the force said:

"The charge relates to an incident in March 2024 when the officer allegedly used excessive force when detaining a man, who was reported to be unwell, at a hotel at Gatwick Airport.

"In March 2025 we sent a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service which authorised the charge."

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