Ex-Sussex police sergeant barred from force after bail breach

Ex-Police Sergeant Martin Coughlan was subject to an accelerated misconduct hearing on September 2.

The former East Sussex Division officer was arrested in February last year as part of a criminal investigation that later concluded with no further action taken.

Coughlan was found to have breached his bail conditions during the investigation, and allowed another individual to breach their bail conditions.

He also claimed to not have access to a vehicle but this was proven to be a lie.

Coughlan was also accused of falsely claiming dependent’s leave, although this was not proven.

He was suspended from duty in June 2025, and resigned from the force on October 24, 2025.

Misconduct proceedings were pursued following the conclusion of the criminal investigation, and following an accelerated misconduct hearing he was found to have breached the professional standards of behaviour in relation to discreditable conduct, honesty and integrity, and discreditable conduct.

Coughlan was told he would have been dismissed without notice over the breaches if he had not already resigned. 

He was placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, meaning he can never work in policing again.

Chief Superintendent Miles Ockwell said: “Police officers under criminal investigation are bound by the same laws as any other member of the public, which includes adherence to bail conditions.

“As an officer, they have a further duty to not help others in the breaches of those conditions. Former Sergeant Coughlan failed to uphold either of those duties.

“His behaviour does not reflect that which I expect from our officers, and what I see from the overwhelming majority of officers every day.”