Ex-Cop Gerard Hutchings Guilty of Sickening Illegal Strip Search Abuse
A former police inspector has been slammed by a jury after being found guilty of horrifying sexual offences linked to illegal strip searches. Gerard Hutchings, 66, from Ashurst, denied all charges but was convicted on every count after a fierce two-week trial at Bristol Crown Court.
Hutchings Convicted on All Counts After Trial
Hutchings faced 11 charges including indecent assault and forcing sexual activity without consent. He had earlier admitted 17 counts of misconduct in public office. The disgraced officer now awaits sentencing on Friday, 24 July.
Victims Subjected to Abuse from 1999 to 2007
- The offences spanned nearly a decade across New Forest and north Hampshire police stations where Hutchings worked.
- Eighteen male victims, aged 17 to 31 at the time, were left alone with the officer and abused.
- Unlawful strip searches were disguised as disciplinary actions for minor offences.
- Some victims suffered sexual assault during these so-called “searches.”
- Eight brave victims gave evidence detailing their trauma.
- Hutchings allegedly claimed these invasive searches were “normal” for those heading to prison.
Operation Marmion Uncovers Widespread Police Abuse
Hutchings was originally jailed for 16 months in 2008 over related misconduct and dismissed by the police force in 2007 after complaints. The case was reopened in 2020 when a new victim from 2005 came forward.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s Operation Marmion team launched a thorough probe, tracing 373 people who had contact with Hutchings. Officers interviewed them all without leading questions, resulting in 17 victims providing video statements.
“When someone comes into contact with our officers, they should be treated with respect and professionalism,” said Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Rob France.
“Hutchings’ behaviour was vile and degrading and clearly nowhere near the expectation we have of our officers. He was rightly sacked when his offences first came to light in 2007. Thanks to the bravery of the victims and hard work of investigators, Hutchings now faces another spell in prison for his awful behaviour.”
