Ex-policeman admits mistreatment

Gerard Hutchings was dismissed from Hampshire police in August 2007

A former police inspector has admitted mistreating young men in police custody.

Gerard Hutchings, 48, pleaded guilty at Hove Crown Court on Friday to 11 counts of misconduct in a public office against 11 victims from 2006 to 2007.

Hutchings, who worked in Lyndhurst, Hampshire, pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

That was accepted by the prosecution and the case was adjourned until May.

Also, he denied a sexual assault charge, which was accepted, and one count of misconduct in public office was taken into consideration.

On all accounts this is a tremendous fall from grace for a person of such stature Colin Banham, mitigating

Full details of the case were not opened.

But Tim Thompson, prosecuting, said it centred on Hutchings' "misuse of power and the enjoyment of the misuse of power over young men in police custody".

Hutchings was dismissed by Hampshire police in August last year.

In mitigation, Colin Banham told the court: "On all accounts this is a tremendous fall from grace for a person of such stature."

Judge Cedric Joseph adjourned the case until 9 May for a pre-sentence report, and Hutchings was released on conditional bail.

Hampshire police said in a statement: "The allegations against Mr Hutchings came to light in July 2007 and were immediately investigated by Hampshire Constabulary's Professional Standards Department."