Sussex Police officer sexually assaults woman on night out, court hears
Jurors heard how the custody inspector allegedly told a woman “you’re saying no but I think you’re actually saying yes”
Last updated 5th Sep 2023
A court has heard how a Sussex Police custody inspector allegedly told a woman “you’re saying no but I think you’re actually saying yes”, as he sexually assaulted her.
Mike Sinden attended Hove Crown Court where jurors heard how the 35-year-old reportedly pulled the woman into an alleyway.
The pair, who were known to each other, were on a night out with friends and colleagues in Eastbourne on March 10, 2022.
Prosecutors claimed the woman repeatedly said ‘no’ as Sinden pushed her against a wall and tried to kiss her, before putting his hand up her dress.
The court also heard that Sinden walked up beside the woman as the group left to get taxis and said “oh, do you hate me now?”.
Following the night out, Sinden messaged the woman to say he hoped she "didn't feel bad" about the evening, to which she replied: "I don't feel great about any of it, I'm trying to forget it. I definitely said no to you."
His response was read in court, saying "Everyone was drunk and I won't mention it again".
Sinden, of Kinfauns Avenue, denies the allegation and told police it was “entirely consensual”.
The trial continues.