A former inspector with Hampshire Constabulary has been sentenced to 16 months in prison today after pleading guilty to ten counts of misconduct in a public office.

Gerard Hutchings, 48, who was based at Lyndhurst, appeared at Brighton Magistrates Court.

An anti-social behaviour order prohibiting him from working with or having contact with young people under 18 in an unsupervised capacity was also granted to take effect on his release from prison.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Readhead said: "The allegations against Mr Hutchings came to light in July 2007 and were immediately investigated by officers from our Professional Standards Department.

"As a result of the investigation and following a disciplinary hearing, he was dismissed with immediate effect in August 2007 by Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan.

"Mr Hutching's abhorrent actions as an inspector are a disgrace to the uniform worn by all law-abiding police officers.

"His behaviour is totally untypical of those serving with Hampshire Constabulary and falls far short of the high standards we exact from our staff.

"I have personally visited the victims at their homes to apologise on behalf of the constabulary for this officer's actions.

"As a police service, we are committed to ensuring Hampshire and the Isle of Wight remain safe places to live.

"That commitment extends to police stations, where members of the public have a right to feel especially secure."

3:22pm Friday 9th May 2008

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