Further concerns raised over Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary following ex police inspector accused of sex offences

A former Hampshire police officer accused of sexually assaulting 18 people at police stations has appeared before court

Gerard Hutchings, 64, appeared before Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning.

He spoke only to confirm his address and date of birth during his court appearance.

The former inspector Hutchings, of Wingrove Road in Ashurst, faces 29 charges including 18 alleged offences of wilfully neglecting to perform duty and misconducting himself while a holder of public office.

Gerard Hutchings, who worked at Waterlooville in the 1990s, faces 29 counts, including allegations of indecent assaults, causing a person to engage in sexual activity and misconduct in a public office.

The complainants were aged between 17 and 31 at the time.

The ex-police inspector left the force in 2007 and an investigation by Hampshire Constabulary began in 2021.

He will next appear before Southampton Crown Court on January 5, 2024.Judge Peter Greenfield said: “I am sending this case to Southampton Crown Court for January 5.”I grant you unconditional bail. You are free to go.”

The Operation Marmion team began an investigation in 2021, following reports about this alleged offending.”