Arthur Hoelscher-Ermert, 27, died after being hit by a police car near Bramber Avenue in Peacehaven on April 30 last year.

Despite a criminal charge of causing death by dangerous driving earlier this month and court date in January, the Sussex Police officer has been kept anonymous.

Arthur’s father Professor Jens Hoelscher said he has concerns about the officer’s identity not being revealed yet.

“The name should be public,” he said. “I’m surprised and disturbed by the decision.

“I did not expect that.

Arthur died on April 30, 2022 in Peacehaven (Image: Family handout)

“I’m perplexed, I find it very unusual and no explanation given.”

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed no application to keep the identity of the officer has been made.

“The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has made us aware that the defence intend to make an application to the court,” a spokesman said.

The officer will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on January 9.

Prof Hoelscher said: “The name will come out anyway, so what’s the point?

“He will be seen in public anyway, then everybody knows who it is.

“What’s the point to keep it secret for four weeks over Christmas? I don’t understand the rationale.”

The CPS charged the officer following a year-long investigation by the police watchdog.

A spokesman for the Independent Office for Police Conduct said its mandatory investigation concluded 12 months after Mr Hoelscher-Ermert died.

The CPS decided not to charge a second officer who was under criminal investigation for the offence of perverting the course of justice.

Prof Hoelscher said: “There was a cloud handing over me and my family so, hopefully now justice can be done.

“All the memories of that time come back up. The longer it went without a charge, the less likely I felt there would be.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “We immediately referred the matter to the IOPC and have co-operated fully with the independent investigation.

“We await the outcome of criminal proceedings and are unable to comment further at this time.

“Our thoughts are with Arthur Hoelscher-Ermert’s family and those affected by this tragic incident.”





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