Former Sussex Police Officer Sentenced For Sexual Assaults

A former Sussex Police officer has been sentenced after admitting four counts of sexual assault by touching.

Ex-PC Ryan Busby, 26, appeared at Staines Magistrates’ Court on Friday (7 November), where he was handed an 18-month community order.

He must also complete 25 rehabilitation days, 90 days of alcohol abstinence monitoring, and 200 hours of unpaid work.

The offences took place on 20 December 2024 at a social event while Busby was off duty, involving four women known to him.

Following reports of the incidents, Sussex Police referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which directed a local investigation by the force’s Professional Standards Department.

The Crown Prosecution Service later authorised the charges.

Busby was suspended from duty and resigned on 19 August.

At an accelerated misconduct hearing held two days later, Assistant Chief Constable Rosie Ross ruled that his actions amounted to gross misconduct and a serious breach of professional standards.

He would have been dismissed without notice had he not already resigned and has now been added to the College of Policing’s barred list, preventing him from returning to the profession.

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 rightly dismissed from the service.”