An Eastbourne policeman who assaulted two party-goers has resigned following a disciplinary hearing.

Detective Sergeant Leigh Hardwick, of Furness Road, had served with Sussex Police for 20 years.

Hardwick, 42, was convicted of three assaults during a party at the Old Orleans Restaurant, Eastbourne, in December 2001.

One of the assaults was overturned by a judge at Lewes Crown Court in May but the others on builder Patrick Marten and another guest were upheld.

The court heard Mr Hardwick had become angry after spotting Mr Marten kissing his girlfriend goodbye.

Hardwick, a former armed officer with the counter terrorism unit at Gatwick, had been off work suffering from depression at the time of the assault.

He was ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service and ordered to pay his victims compensation and £3,317 costs.