A POLICE officer who is alleged to have put his hands on the throat of woman he was living with faces being kicked out of the force.

The Sussex Police officer – named only as “Officer B” – is facing a gross misconduct hearing over allegations that include domestic violence.

Criminal proceedings are also pending against the officer.

A notice of the hearing, which is to be held in private, states: “The allegations against the officer concerned are that he assaulted Ms A at the home they shared by placing one of his hands on her throat and pushing her.

“If proven the matter is one of gross misconduct and the proceedings are therefore taking the form of a misconduct hearing.”

Last year, The Argus reported how many police officers were being kicked out of the force without the public being told in meetings “held in private”.

In those cases, the reasons for holding the meeting in private were also hidden from the public.

The Argus has held meetings with senior officers within the force and in this case, the reasons for having Officer B’s gross misconduct hearing “in private” have also been published.

The Legally Qualified Chair (LQC), who makes this decision, said: “I have also taken into account the written representations made by [Sussex Police] and note none were made directly on behalf of the officer.

“The allegations relate to a private personal relationship that include an allegation of domestic violence and that the victim has expressed significant concerns if she were identified.

“The identification of the officer could, due to the events which are the subject of the allegations, also lead to the identification of the victim.

“I also considered the evidence relating to the mental health of the officer and the potential prejudice a public hearing and identification of the officer could have upon pending criminal proceedings against the officer.”

When contacted, Sussex Police said: “We made representation to the LQC for the gross misconduct hearing for Officer B to be held in private and anonymity to be considered.

“The reasons for this representation are due to sensitivities surrounding the victim and medical considerations of the officer.”