Detective Constable Thomas Hawkins was cleared of assault charges at Brighton Magistrates’ Court following a tense trial on March 17th. Hawkins was accused of attacking a woman he knew while off duty in May 2022.
The case was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which ordered a new investigation by the police force’s Professional Standards Department. Throughout the trial, Hawkins denied the assault allegations.
Although Hawkins was found not guilty in court, the police force is continuing to review the matter. The Professional Standards Department is now assessing whether disciplinary action is warranted despite the acquittal.
Originally published by UKNIP.
