PC James Martin, a police officer with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, is set to stand trial next year, charged with misconduct in a public office. The charge relates to an incident in December 2022, during which PC Martin allegedly failed to immediately release a man who had been “unlawfully arrested.”
PC Martin, 35, appeared at Winchester Crown Court this morning, where he denied the charge. Judge Paul Dugdale adjourned the case, scheduling the trial to begin on October 6, 2025. PC Martin was granted unconditional bail until the trial date.
Following the charge, a spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary stated that PC Martin had been placed on “directed duties.” The spokesperson explained, “PC James Martin is charged following an incident in December 2022, which led to the wrongful arrest of a member of the public. He is alleged to have failed to take immediate action to release the man from custody once he discovered the arrest was unlawful.”
PC Martin’s trial will explore the details of the alleged misconduct as the court assesses his handling of the situation.
