Family of trans teen Jason Pulman sue Sussex Police over handling of disappearance

The family of Jason Pulman, a 15-year-old trans teenager who tragically took his own life in April 2022, has launched legal action against Sussex Police, alleging the force failed to adequately respond when he was reported missing.

Jason’s mother, Emily Pulman, and stepfather, Mark Pulman, are pursuing a High Court case, claiming a breach of human rights. They argue that Sussex Police’s delayed response - taking nearly 10 hours to attend the family home after Jason was reported missing - may have contributed to his death. The teenager was found dead in Hampden Park, Eastbourne, shortly after his disappearance.

An inquest held in 2024 concluded that Jason’s emotional and mental health needs were “inadequately assessed and provided for” by multiple services, and that the police “responded inadequately” to his disappearance.

Jason, who began identifying as male at around 14, had been on the NHS waiting list for gender dysphoria treatment and had a history of mental health struggles, including previous suicide attempts. His family had informed police of these risks when reporting him missing, yet he was graded only as “medium risk.”

The Pulmans’ legal team, led by Nick Armstrong KC of Bindmans LLP, argues that there was a “real prospect of a different outcome” had the police acted with greater urgency. They also accuse the force of “flip-flopping” over its position and failing to demonstrate that lessons have been learned.

Speaking to the press, Emily Pulman said:

“If the police can actually take accountability for what has happened and what went wrong, that is the only way they can start making changes. I want to try and get some change for kids like Jason, as I know that that is what he would want as well.”

Sussex Police have expressed their “sincere condolences” to the family but have not commented further on the ongoing legal proceedings.