A HIGH-RANKING police officer has been sacked from the force for having sex with women while on duty.

Inspector Tony Lumb formed inappropriate relationships with two women, including a victim of a disability hate crime in Brighton.

At a disciplinary hearing yesterday his 27-year career with Sussex Police was brought to an end after a panel ruled his behaviour amounted to gross misconduct.

It was revealed that the force had investigated him over accusations he had made visits to women who he had previously met as part of his public duties.

He was also accused of having sex with two girlfriends while on duty, before sneaking back to the police station.

Mr Lumb was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in March 2017.

But prosecutors eventually decided there was not enough evidence against him - a decision criticised as “shocking” by one of the complainants, Nicola Brookes.

He has remained suspended on full pay since March 2017.
James Berry outlined the case and evidence against Inspector Lumb at the misconduct hearing in Lewes yesterday.

He said: “It has been clear that it is inappropriate to engage in sexual activity with victims of crime, with people who they are engaged with in the course of their police duties and vulnerable persons.

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

The panel found accusations proven in respect of four of five women but did not find allegations over a witness of attempted arson to be proven on the balance of probabilities.

Addressing Mr Lumb’s relationships with Nicola Brookes and another woman, panel chairman Clare Harrington said: “It was readily apparent, and would have been so to Inspector Lumb, that these two women were vulnerable at the time of Inspector Lumb’s relationships with them.

“They both had significant health issues.

 “We are without doubt that his conduct does amount to gross misconduct.

“His behaviour fell well below the standards which are rightly to be expected of officers generally and also those of his rank.

“The nature of the inspector’s conduct and the damage to public confidence by such conduct is beyond question.”