Brighton PC Louie Wellfare resigns from Sussex Police

PC Louie Wellfare, 27, who has served on the frontline in Brighton and Hove, described the heavy toll traumatic incidents and abuse have taken.

He has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression since joining the force in 2015.

One incident included performing unsuccessful CPR to save a seven-year-old girl’s life in front of her family.

Now Mr Wellfare faces a trial over a crash in which Andrew Gunn was seriously injured in Bear Road, Brighton in July 2019.

Appearing at Hove Crown Court, Mr Wellfare denied causing serious injury by dangerous driving while he was on duty driving a police patrol car.

The scene in Bear Road, Brighton after the crash

Mr Wellfare has however handed in his resignation to Sussex Police.

In a letter he wrote: “In my seventh year as a police officer I have today taken the decision to resign.

“This is a day I did not ever think would come. When I joined the force in 2015, I, like most, believed it was a career I would have until I retired. But it was not meant to be.”

He said he has seen the horrors of suicides and murders, domestic violence and child abuse.

“I’ve been kicked, punched and spat at,” he said: “I’ve received homophobic and racial abuse, been told I am ‘useless’, ‘pathetic’, ‘the enemy’ and ‘everything that is wrong with people’, and much more I cannot bring myself to write.

“Despite this I have attended work every single day with the intention of doing my utmost to help and serve the community.”

On average, Mr Wellfare said, the average person will deal with extreme trauma about four times in their lifetime, but for police officers the number of traumatic incidents experienced can range from 400 to 600.

Louie Wellfare when he was presented with an award for his public service (Image: Submitted)

He wrote: “My mental health has suffered from this job. I have been on medication and previously received counselling sessions following a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress (PTSD), anxiety and depression.

“Despite all of the above I can’t help but feel a little regret on the decision to leave. I will miss the camaraderie and humour immensely.

“I will miss the feeling of solidarity and unity in what can only be described as some of the darkest and most emotionally straining situations anyone could ever be a part of.”

Mr Wellfare said new recruits should not be afraid to ask for help and support and said: “There is no weakness in it, only strength.”

He added: “I am and always will be extremely proud to have served in the police, but I am excited for the next set of opportunities and spending more quality time with my family.

Louie Welfare wrote a letter of resignation

“Finally, I want to pass on to every officer past or present my gratitude and thanks for the hard work they have done and will continue to do.

“No matter what anyone says you are great people doing your very best in the most testing of times.”

Louie Wellfare, formerly of Stone Cross, Pevensey, was told he will face trial on February 28 next year over, accused of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.