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Two police constables with Sussex Police have received written warnings after being found to have committed misconduct after arresting a man on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

PCs Steven Morris and David Quayle arrested a man on 2 January 2015 in Steyning and placed him in the back of a police car.

During the journey to the custody suite PC Morris stopped the police car and forcibly removed the man from the vehicle. Whilst the man was out of the car and on the ground, PC Quayle used his Captor spray on the man.   

There were two local investigations carried out by Sussex Police and it was subsequently decided that an independent investigation by the IOPC should take place. Our investigationconcluded in October 2017. 

We directed Sussex Police to hold a gross misconduct hearing for PCs Morris and Quayle on 8 March 2018. On Thursday 19 July the panel found the case was proven for misconduct against both officers and they received written warnings which will be on their record for 12-months.

IOPC Regional Director for the south east, Sarah Green, said:

“Following an appeal received from the man’s solicitors and two local investigations carried out by Sussex Police it became clear that our independent oversight was required.

“Our investigation gathered evidence indicating that PCs Morris and Quayle may have used excessive force while the man was in their custody.

“The IOPC directed Sussex Police to take disciplinary proceedings against the officers, and the panel found the actions of both officers amounted to misconduct. The officers have now been reminded of the standards expected of them.”