Eastbourne police officer cleared of racism allegation

Chief Superintendent Neil Honnor returned to work on February 17 after an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) found no evidence of racist or criminal behaviour.

It was alleged that Mr Honnor, as well as another officer based in East Sussex, had become argumentative with taxi drivers while off-duty on September 5 2015. Mr Honnor was also alleged to have made racist and offensive remarks.

Responding to the investigation report Deputy Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney said, “We welcome the scrutiny of the IPCC in this matter. Sussex Police referred the matter for independent oversight after learning that the officer’s behaviour had been perceived as racist.

“Their report clearly identifies there was no evidence of any racist behaviour or any other criminal offence in the way he acted.”

Mr Honnor will now be the subject of a misconduct meeting chaired by a chief officer from another force.

The investigation also looked at allegations that the other officer – an female inspector who has not been named – accessed a secure police database following the incident.

DCC Pinkney said, “The IPCC has recommended an East Sussex-based Inspector, who accessed a force IT system in relation to the investigation without lawful purpose to do so, be the subject of a misconduct meeting.

“A file was passed to the CPS, which decided to take no further action in relation to computer misuse. The officer has not been suspended and awaits misconduct proceedings. The report into this will be made available after disciplinary proceedings have concluded and Sussex Police is committed to being open and transparent about what has happened in this case.”