Gerard Hutchings 66

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A former Hampshire police inspector who sexually assaulted young men in custody during unnecessary strip-searches has been convicted of sexual offences and misconduct.

Gerard Hutchings, 66, abused 18 victims at police stations between 1999 and 2007.

A jury at Bristol Crown Court found him guilty of five counts of indecent assault, five of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and one of misconduct in public office. He had already admitted 17 further counts of misconduct in public office and will be sentenced on 24 July.

The victims, aged 17 to 31, had been arrested for minor offences and attended stations for cautions or reprimands. Eight told the trial they were strip-searched without justification.

One man, arrested for shoplifting, said:

“He was trying to humiliate me. I do believe he took great pleasure in pointing out what a piece of scum I was and people like me should not walk the earth, or words to that effect. I have been strip-searched before and there was no following of the rules whatsoever. He never took any interest in my clothing.”

Hutchings was jailed for 16 months in 2008 after admitting 11 misconduct charges; prosecutors then accepted not-guilty pleas to 11 sexual offences. He was sacked by Hampshire Police in 2007 after 28 years’ service.

A new investigation began in 2020 after another allegation. Detectives identified the 18 victims from 373 names in his police notebook.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Rob France said:

“Hutchings’ behaviour was vile and degrading and clearly nowhere near the expectation we have of our officers. Thanks to the bravery of the victims in recalling their experience, and the hard work of investigators, Hutchings now faces another spell in prison for his awful behaviour.”