Officer dismissed for threats against wife and colleague
A Sussex Police officer has been dismissed after making threats to his former wife and forcing his way into her home.
A misconduct hearing at Sussex Police headquarters in Lewes heard that on November 11, 2019, Police Constable Ian Upperton forced his way into the home of his ex-wife causing her to fall backwards and suffer a minor injury.
In addition, on January 13, 2020, while in conversation with fellow officer, he made threats to his ex-wife.
The following day he made further angry comments about his ex-wife to another officer. During that same conversation, he made threats against a superintendent who had issued him with bail.
PC Upperton was found to have breached standards of professional behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct and authority, respect and courtesy. He was dismissed without notice.
Detective Superintendent Rachel Carr, head of the force’s professional standards department, said: “Sussex Police expects the highest personal and professional standards of anyone who works for us and any allegations of behaviour that do not meet those standards are rigorously investigated.
“This officer’s behaviour fell far short of the standards we expect at Sussex Police. He has let himself, his family, the public and his colleagues down.”
