Jury fails to reach verdict in sexual assault case

A jury has failed to reach a verdict and has been discharged in the trial of a former police inspector who was accused of sexual assault.

Former Sussex Police custody officer Mike Sinden, 36, of Hove, East Sussex, denies sexually assaulting a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, after drinking heavily on a night out in Eastbourne in March 2022.

The father-of-two denies pinning the woman to a wall in an alleyway and sexually assaulted her.

Mr Sinden also denies the charge of sexual assault by penetration.

He is expected to appear in Lewes Crown Court in the week starting 10 March.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.