A former Sussex Police officer who was dismissed for gross misconduct is now facing trial for rape, sexual assault, and multiple data protection offences — while continuing to serve as a trustee for a UK-registered charity.

Christopher Kenneth Mallet, 40, is currently listed as a trustee of South East Fire and Rescue (Charity No. 1196493), despite having been under criminal investigation since 2019 and facing a full trial at Guildford Crown Court in March 2026.

Criminal Trial Includes Rape, Sexual Assault, and Data Misuse

According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Mr. Mallet has been charged with:

• 2 x Rape
• 1 x Sexual Assault
• 3 x Corrupt or improper exercise of police powers
• 5 x Unauthorised access to computer material
• 5 x Unlawful disclosure of personal data
• 5 x Unlawful retention of personal data

These offences allegedly occurred while Mallet was a serving constable based in Horsham and involved the unauthorised access and misuse of sensitive police information relating to women he encountered during his duties.

Previously Dismissed for Gross Misconduct

Mallet was formally dismissed from Sussex Police following a disciplinary panel hearing on 12 December 2019. The findings included:

• Unlawfully accessing the Niche police database to obtain personal information
• Fraudulently claiming a new warrant card holder
• Attempting to sell Sussex Police property on eBay
• Providing misleading information during an anti-corruption probe

The panel deemed these actions serious breaches of honesty and integrity, which were later published in a public misconduct notice.

Controversial Disposal of Police Vehicle While on Bail

In a separate controversy, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that Surrey Police disposed of a Ford Ranger vehicle to Mallet while he was on bail for the aforementioned serious offences.

The decision has drawn criticism from governance watchdogs and members of the public, as Mallet had already been dismissed and was awaiting trial.

Still a Charity Trustee Despite Criminal Charges

Despite facing multiple indictable offences, Christopher Mallet remains a listed trustee of the charity South East Fire and Rescue, according to the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

The case has prompted serious questions about the enforcement of the Charity Commission’s Fit and Proper Persons test, which is designed to ensure individuals in trustee positions meet legal and ethical standards.

Public Oversight, Legal Implications, and Calls for Reform

Transparency campaigners and former law enforcement officials have urged urgent review of trustee vetting standards, particularly for individuals with law enforcement backgrounds.

Legal experts suggest this case may serve as a catalyst for legislative reform around public office misconduct and charity leadership accountability.

The IOPC continues to investigate, and the Charity Commission has been urged to reconsider Mallet’s eligibility in light of the ongoing criminal proceedings.

If you have concerns about charity governance or police misconduct, contact:

• Charity Commission: www.gov.uk/charity-commission
• IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct): www.policeconduct.gov.uk