SUSSEX POLICE OFFICER SUSPENDED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT OF WOMEN AT SOCIAL EVENT
A Sussex Police constable, 25-year-old Ryan Busby, has admitted sexually assaulting four women during a private gathering.The incidents happened on 20 December last year, when Busby, who personally knew the women involved, touched them inappropriately.
He appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court in early July, where he pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault by touching.
Busby was suspended from duty following the allegations and later released on bail.
He is due to return to court for sentencing on 29 September at Staines Magistrates’ Court.
Sussex Police confirmed the case was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which launched an investigation.
After reviewing the evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges.
The force also confirmed that separate disciplinary proceedings were initiated.
By late August, disciplinary action against Busby had reached its conclusion.
He formally resigned from Sussex Police on 19 August, while still awaiting sentencing.
On 21 August, Assistant Chief Constable Rosie Ross oversaw an accelerated misconduct hearing, which ruled that Busby’s actions amounted to gross misconduct.
The panel concluded he had seriously breached professional standards, including discreditable conduct and failure to show authority, respect and courtesy.
The hearing confirmed that Busby would have been dismissed without notice if he had not already resigned.
He has now been added to the national barred list, preventing him from future employment within policing.
