After being convicted of sexual and misconduct offences in connection with strip searches, a former police inspector, Gerard Hutchings, has been sentenced to ten years in prison.
Gerard Hutchings was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court today (Friday, July 24).
While at the police station to receive a warning or reprimand for minor offences, the 67-year-old subjected 18 male victims to unwarranted strip searches.
Additionally, during these procedures, he sexually violated a number of them.
The offences were committed at stations in Hampshire, including those in the New Forest and the northern region of the county, between 1999 and 2007.
At the time, the victims were between the ages of 17 and 31.
Hutchings, of Wingrove Road, Ashurst, denied that any sexual offence occurred and denied 11 charges, including indecent assault and causing an individual to engage in sexual activity without their consent.
Following a trial in March of this year, a jury at Bristol Crown Court found him guilty of all charges.
He had previously confessed to 17 counts of misconduct in public office during a previous hearing.
Hutching was incarcerated for a total of ten years at the same court today (Friday, July 24).
Upon his release, he will be subject to lifelong notification obligations.
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