David Gamlin

David Gamlin, a 58-year-old former investigator with Sussex Police, exploited his professional authority to engage in sexual misconduct with a vulnerable victim of crime. Between June 2021 and September 2021, Gamlin visited the woman's home alone under the pretence of discussing her case, during which he made inappropriate sexual advances. The woman, aged 45 and already distressed due to her children being in care, reported that Gamlin promised to assist in returning her children if she complied with his sexual demands.

The victim described feeling coerced and manipulated, stating, 'He picked on my vulnerability. He said if you do X, Y and Z sexually I will get your kids back. I was on my own, I had no one around me.' She encountered Gamlin on multiple occasions during this period, unable to refuse due to her desperation. Gamlin warned her that disclosing the encounters would result in her losing her children permanently and him losing his job, framing it as 'our secret.' This abuse of position led to severe emotional distress for the victim, culminating in a breakdown and a suicide attempt.

The misconduct came to light after the woman confided in two police officers who returned her home on one occasion. She told them, 'A professional is doing something really bad to me,' prompting an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in September 2021. The IOPC examined whether Gamlin's actions constituted an abuse of position for a sexual purpose, particularly given his knowledge of the woman's vulnerabilities and his suggestions of favouritism in exchange for sexual contact. A separate IOPC probe, initiated in December 2021 and concluded in August 2022, addressed Gamlin's inappropriate sexual comments to a female suspect.

Gamlin was dismissed from Sussex Police in March 2023 for gross misconduct. He pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office at Southwark Crown Court on 30 June, with sentencing occurring on 16 October at the same court. He received a 12-month custodial sentence. IOPC Director Emily Barry commented, 'Abuse of position for a sexual purpose is a serious breach of the public’s trust and undermines confidence in policing.' Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme of Sussex Police's Professional Standards department added, 'David Gamlin betrayed that trust, abusing his position for personal and sexual gain. His actions were disgraceful.'

The case highlights systemic issues in protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation by those in authority, with the victim expressing ongoing impacts, including delayed reunification with her third child, which she attributes to the trauma inflicted by Gamlin's actions.