Sussex Police officer banned from driving and dismissed from the force

A Sussex Police officer pleaded guilty to driving while over the prescribed limit when off-duty has been disqualified from driving for 18 months

Connor Farrell,23, a learner Detective Constable who was based on West Sussex division, appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 16 July and was convicted of the offence.

He was also ordered to pay a fine of £120, £85 for costs and £48 victim surcharge.

The court heard that police were called to a report of a single-vehicle collision at the Ridleys Corner Roundabout in Crawley at around 12.55am on 19 May.

The vehicle was found abandoned, but enquiries traced its owner to his home address.

Farrell was arrested at around 2am after failing a breathalyser test.

He was subsequently charged and suspended from duty.

An accelerated misconduct hearing chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Peter Gardner found that the officer’s conduct had breached standards of professional behaviour namely honesty and integrity, confidentiality, duties and responsibilities and discreditable conduct and this amounted to gross misconduct.

The officer was dismissed without notice and will be added to the College of Policing Barred list which will prevent a return to policing.

Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme said: “Police officers are bound by the Standards of Professional behaviour whether on and off duty.

“Drink driving is entirely wrong, as is leaving the scene of the accident – this former officer knew that and chose to do both regardless anyway. Quite rightly he has been held accountable for his behaviour and conduct and will never serve in policing again.”