Unlawful strip searches sees former inspector jailed

A former police inspector who "exploited" his position to carry out unlawful strip searches and sexually abused some of his victims has been jailed.

Gerard Hutchings targeted 18 male victims over an eight-year period, while they were in police stations in Hampshire to receive a caution or reprimand for minor offences.

He also sexually assaulted some of the men during the searches, which took place between 1999 and 2007.

Hutchings, of Wingrove Road, Ashurst, was sentenced to 10 years in prison at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, 24 July.

Hampshire Constabulary said victim statements read out during the sentencing, detailed the trauma caused by Hutchings' behaviour, the effect on his victims' ability to form and maintain relationships, as well as the long-lasting damage to their trust and confidence in policing and figures of authority.

During his trial in March, Hutchings, 67, denied any sexual offending and had tried to justify his behaviour.

Police said he claimed he had carried out the searches as a way of warning the men away from any criminality.

His victims were aged between 17 and 31 at the time.

Hutchings was convicted of five counts of indecent assault, five counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and one count of misconduct in public office. He had previously admitted 17 counts of misconduct in public office.

Anthony Johns, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Hutchings carried out a sustained abuse of power, using his position as a police inspector to target young men who were entitled to expect lawful and professional treatment.

"He exploited his authority to subject victims to humiliating and unjustified strip searches.

"Working closely with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, prosecutors built a compelling case from the accounts of 18 victims, exposing a pattern of offending that spanned almost a decade and demonstrating that compliance obtained through the misuse of authority is not consent."

On release, Hutchings will be subject to notification requirements for life.

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Southey commended the victims for their courage during the investigation and trial.

"Hutchings exploited the trust placed in him to commit appalling offences against these young men.

"His actions have had a profound and lasting impact on them. I am deeply sorry for the suffering they have endured."

Police said Hutchings was previously jailed in 2008, for 16 months, after admitting 11 misconduct in a public office offences for similar offending that took place in 2007.

Hutchings was sacked in 2007 after the complaints were made, following a fast-track disciplinary procedure.

The force said a new investigation began in 2020 after officers received a report from a man who had been subjected to a similar strip search in 2005.

Officers then spoke to 373 people who came into contact with him at a station, which resulted in a further 17 people providing statements.

Det Ch Insp Southey added: "People like Hutchings have no place in policing."