A police officer is due to appear in court charged with assaulting a child tomorrow (Tuesday 16 June).
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said: “A Sussex Police officer is due in court accused of assaulting a child, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
“PC Benedict Statton, 43, is set to face a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 16 June.
“The charge relates to an incident where force was used during the arrest of a 16-year-old girl in Crawley.
“Our investigation began in June 2024 and concluded in September 2025 after which we sent a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
“It requested we complete some further investigatory steps before authorising the charge in May.”
