A CHIEF inspector alleged to have engaged in sexual activity while on duty with a former victim of crime as well as with a fellow officer will face a gross misconduct hearing.

Chief Inspector Rob Leet is said to have met with a woman he knew to be a former victim of domestic violence in late 2014 and early 2016 for sex while he was on duty.

He is also alleged to have met with police sergeant Sarah Porter on at least one occasion the following year to engage in sexual activity while both officers were on duty.

Sgt Porter will also face a gross misconduct hearing.

It is alleged that the two officers travelled to meet up during work hours when there was no work-related purpose, and repeatedly used Sussex Police communications systems to exchange messages where there was no work purpose.

Further, the sergeant is alleged to have failed to be contactable when a fatal crash took place while she was on duty and to have inappropriately contacted a witness to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

A spokesman for the IOPC said: “We launched an investigation in March 2017 following a voluntary referral from Sussex Police and completed our final report in August 2018.

“We concluded that if proven, the behaviour would be a breach of standards of authority, respect and courtesy and duties and responsibilities and could amount to gross misconduct. Sussex Police agreed and a hearing will be scheduled in due course.”

IOPC Regional Director Sarah Green said: “Our opinion is that, should the allegations be proven, they would amount to gross misconduct and Sussex Police has agreed.

“It will now be down to a panel, chaired by an independent legally qualified chair, to hear all the evidence and decide whether the allegations are proven.”

No referral was made by the IOPC to the Crown Prosecution Service in relation to this investigation