A POLICE chief faces a misconduct hearing over a sex allegation from a victim of domestic violence.

Chief Inspector Rob Leet is also accused of having an “inappropriate” sexual relationship with a junior police sergeant at force headquarters in Lewes.

The alleged two-year relationship with Sgt Sarah Porter was revealed by national media in March 2017, and was alleged to have taken place between August 2015 and February that year.

Following the coverage, a woman, listed as Miss A, alleged that Chief Insp Leet had “engaged in inappropriate sexual activity” with her while he was both on and off duty between November 2014 and January 2016.

It is claimed Chief Insp Leet had met Miss A during his role as District Commander for Lewes and Wealden.

He was suspended from duty on full pay while the Independent Office for Police Conduct carried out an investigation.

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Sussex Police will now hold disciplinary hearings into the claims, and it is alleged that Chief Insp Leet’s behaviour amounted to gross misconduct.

According to the force, he has served since 1997 and risen through the ranks, and was most recently working as the lead for Local Policing at headquarters in Lewes.

The charge against him states: “It was alleged that you participated in sexual activity with PS Porter while you were on duty, and that this activity took place between August 2015 and February 2017.

“The facilitate the inappropriate relationship with PS Porter, correspondence was exchanged via Sussex Police systems, despite there being no work related purpose for this communication.

“Following national media coverage, a complaint was made to the Professional Standards Department regarding your behaviour towards a female member of the public, Miss A.

"Miss A alleges that you used your position as a police officer to form this inappropriate relationship with her.

“It is alleged that your conduct over the course of your interaction with these females breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour and amounts to gross misconduct.”

PS Porter also faces a misconduct hearing next week.

The proceedings are listed to start on April 15 through to April 18, and a final day is listed on April 23.

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