Police officer in Hoogstraten case later dismissed from force

The notorious tycoon, now known as Nicholas Adolf von Hessen, walked free from court in March.

He was found not guilty over an accusation in which he suggested a Police Constable named James Breeds was a “poofter”.

Nicholas Adolf von Hessen was acquitted in March

Now, The Argus can reveal that PC James Breeds was kicked out of Sussex Police – without the force telling the public – two months later for an issue separate to the Mr Von Hessen case and not involving the tycoon.

Ex-PC Breeds told The Argus he was unjustly shown the door because the force believed him to be a whistle-blower.

But Sussex Police said they could not provide details of his offence as it was decided the hearing would be “held in private”. Neither could they say why this decision made.

However, Sussex Police later directed The Argus to the Police Barred list, which states Mr Breeds was dismissed after he did not notify the force of “an association with a person with a criminal conviction”.

The Barred list added: “PC Breeds Regulation 16 [complaint] response contains lies that were subsequently identified in interview and through the text messages sent to another.

“Comments made about his role in the police and laws protecting young people from sexual acts.”

READ MORE: Sussex Police officers dismissed without public being told

READ MORE: Force refuses to name mystery officers kicked out the service

No further details of the reasons for Mr Breeds’ dismissal are known as a “Legally Qualified Chair” instructed the meeting to be “held in private”.

The Argus also reveals today that many officers have been kicked out the force without the public being told. 

Sussex Police have refused to name the mystery officers, but The Argus has found another by chance.

PC Breeds told The Argus that he had asked for the meeting to be held in private himself.

He said: “Privacy was crucial in this case because the police had subjected me to a level of surveillance that far exceeded that of an employer.

“Whilst the facts were in the public interest, the details were not and through having regard to my own right to privacy and that of my family and friends it seemed a sensible request.”

He believes he was kicked out unjustly amid accusations he was a whistleblower.

He claims a senior officer on the panel had previously accused him of leaking negative information about the police to the public.

File picture: Ex-PC Breeds says he was unjustly dismissed amid accusations he was a whistleblower

The former police officer added that he will be taking the case to a tribunal.

He said: “I have been accused of whistleblowing by the organisation on a number of occasions before my dismissal."

He added: “Thankfully due to protected characteristics involved in my case, an employment tribunal should allow me some redress, an option unjustly not afforded to many in my position.”

Mr Breeds had been a police officer since May 2015 and was officially dismissed on May 6 this year.

Sussex Police responds 

Speaking about Mr Breeds’ dismissal, chief superintendent Lisa Bell, head of Sussex Police’s professional standards department, said: “We expect 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.

“We are determined not to let a very small number of officers damage the confidence held in our force and the huge amount of good work carried out by hard-working and dedicated police officers and staff across the county.”

Sussex Police were invited to respond to Mr Breeds’ allegations.

A spokeswoman said: “An Employment Tribunal is due to take place and it would therefore be inappropriate for us to comment.”

The Police Barred List 

The full information on the Police Barred List website states: “PC Breeds Regulation 16 response contains lies that were subsequently identified in interview and through the text messages sent to another.

“Comments made about his role in the Police and laws protecting young people from sexual acts.

“Failed to follow Force Policy 1176/2018 Notifiable Associations by neglecting to notify an association with a person with a criminal conviction.”

In the previous case involving Mr Von Hessen, the property tycoon was by cleared magistrates of behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress.

The then 75-year-old called the proceedings “laughable, a complete waste of public money and a disgrace”.