The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has discontinued its case against a Sussex Police officer who was charged with raping a schoolgirl and other sexual offences against a child.
But PC Thomas Rendell, 23, remains suspended from duty and faces misconduct proceedings.
Sussex Police said this evening (Tuesday 17 June): “A case against a Sussex Police officer charged with rape and three other sexual offences has been discontinued.
“PC Thomas Rendell, 23, was due to stand trial in September 2026 charged with raping a girl aged 13 to 15, attempting to cause a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in penetrative sexual activity, engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15 and engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with girl aged 13 to 15 from 1 February to 30 June 2022.
“He was not a serving Sussex Police officer at the time of the alleged offences.
“Following a careful review of the evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service has concluded that there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
“The officer, who was based on East Sussex division, remains suspended from duty.
“The matter was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who directed that a local investigation by the (Sussex Police) Professional Standards Department should be conducted.
“The force will now commence misconduct proceedings against the officer.”
