An investigation into allegations that a Brighton police inspector had improper relationships with women in the course of his duties has been referred to crown prosecutors.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission began investigating Inspector Tony Lumb after he was arrested for misconduct in public office in March.
It has now completed its investigation, and referred the file to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Allegations were referred to the IPCC that he had engaged in improper relationships with women in Sussex in the course of his duties.
The Inspector was arrested as part of an IPCC investigation known as Operation Nectarine. The officer, based at Brighton police station, was released from bail in May 2017 at the conclusion of his interview under criminal caution.
IPCC Operations Manager Catherine Hall said: “These are clearly serious allegations that required an independent investigation. We now have evidence to suggest the officer may have committed a criminal offence and therefore have referred a file to the CPS.
“In addition, the investigation has also found the officer has a case to answer for gross misconduct and we will now be in discussion with Sussex Police regarding any disciplinary hearings.”
A referral to the CPS is made when the IPCC investigation indicates that a criminal offence may have been committed. It does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow. The CPS will decide whether charges should be brought, based on the test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
Where an investigator’s opinion is that an officer has a case to answer the police force and the IPCC Operations Manager must decide whether to bring disciplinary proceedings.
