Rape Case Against Sussex Police Officer Discontinued, Misconduct Proceedings to Follow

A criminal case against a Sussex Police officer charged with rape and other serious sexual offences involving a teenage girl has been dropped. PC Thomas Rendell, 23, had been due to stand trial in September 2026, accused of four sexual offences involving a girl aged between 13 and 15. The charges related to incidents said […]

A criminal case against a Sussex Police officer charged with rape and other serious sexual offences involving a teenage girl has been dropped.

PC Thomas Rendell, 23, had been due to stand trial in September 2026, accused of four sexual offences involving a girl aged between 13 and 15. The charges related to incidents said to have taken place between 1 February and 30 June 2022, before he joined Sussex Police.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now confirmed that the case has been discontinued following a review of the evidence, concluding there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.

PC Rendell, who was based in the East Sussex division, remains suspended from duty.

The case had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which directed Sussex Police to carry out a local investigation through its Professional Standards Department.

The force has confirmed it will now begin internal misconduct proceedings against the officer.