A police officer has been spared prison but banned from drinking after he sexually assaulted four women when he was off-duty just before Christmas last year.
PC Ryan Busby, 26, admitted all four counts of sexual assault by touching and resigned from Sussex Police just over a month after his first court appearance on the charges.
Busby had been suspended from duty and his behaviour was found to have amounted to gross misconduct. He would have been sacked had he not resigned and has been barred from policing.
The former officer was given an 18-month community order and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, attend 25 days of rehabilitation activity and submit to 90 days of alcohol abstinence monitoring.
Sussex Police said: “A former Sussex Police officer who pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault by touching has been sentenced at court.
“Ex-PC Ryan Busby, 26, appeared at Staines Magistrates’ Court on Friday (7 November) for sentencing, having admitted the charges at his first court appearance on Tuesday 8 July.
“He was given an 18-month community order, 25 rehabilitation days, 90 days of alcohol abstinence monitoring and ordered to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work.
“The court heard that the offences occurred on Friday 20 December 2024 at a social event involving four women known to Busby while he was off duty.
“When the offences were reported, the matter was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who directed that a local investigation by the force Professional Standards Department should be conducted.
“Following this investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised that Busby be charged.
“Busby was suspended from duty and resigned on Tuesday 19 August.
“At an accelerated misconduct hearing held by the force, presided over by Assistant Chief Constable Rosie Ross on Thursday 21 August, it was found that Busby’s behaviour amounted to gross misconduct as a breach of professional standards relating to discreditable conduct and authority, respect and courtesy.
“He would have been dismissed without notice had he not already resigned.
“Busby was also added to the College of Policing barred list which prevents a return to policing.
Superintendent Petra Lazar said: “Policing expects the highest standards of its officers and staff.
“Ryan Busby discredited himself and the service, causing harm to a number of victims. He has now been sentenced by the court and has rightly been dismissed from the service.”
