Two former Sussex Police officers who challenged their conviction for common assault have had their appeals upheld.
Former PCs Daniel Lott and Daniel Groves appeared before Hove Crown Court on Tuesday, October 8 for an appeal hearing, where their appeal was allowed.
The matter originally referred to an incident in Bognor on May 29, 2022 while both men were transporting an arrested man to custody as part of their duties.
The Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges of common assault and at a trial at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on May 15, 2023, they were found guilty.
Following a sentencing hearing on July 19, 2023, they were subsequently dismissed from Sussex Police during an accelerated Misconduct hearing held under Police Conduct Regulations.
Both men challenged the conviction in the Crown Court and those appeals were upheld, which means the convictions no longer stand.
Sussex Police says it respects the decision and will now take full account of the observations made in court.
