Sexual assault case against Sussex Police officer discontinued
A sexual assault case against a Sussex Police officer has been discontinued, after prosecutors offered no evidence against him.
Sussex Police confirmed the news in a statement on Tuesday, October 20.
"A case against a Sussex Police officer who was charged with sexually assaulting by touching a woman known to him, while off duty in July 2024, has been discontinued,” a spokesperson said.
"The Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence against PC Mark McCann, who was based at Gatwick, at a hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court.
"He had previously pleaded not guilty to the charge.
“The officer remains suspended from duty and the force will now consider misconduct proceedings.”
Police said in April that the matter was referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).
The IOPC directed that a ‘local investigation’ by the force Professional Standards Department ‘should be conducted’, after charges were authorised against the 44-year-old police officer.