Ex-Hampshire police officer Gerard Hutchings guilty of sexual abuse
Gerard Hutchings, a former police inspector who worked for Hampshire Constabulary abused 18 victims at police stations in Hampshire from 1999 to 2007, police said.
He was found guilty by a jury at Bristol Crown Court of five charges of indecent assault, five of causing a person to engage in a sexual activity without consent and one of misconduct in public office. During the trial, eight victims testified that they were subjected to unjustified strip‑searches.
Hutchings had previously admitted to 17 counts of misconduct in public office but had denied five charges of indecent assault, five charges of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and one further count of misconduct in public office.
As a result, Hutchings stood trial before a jury at Bristol Crown Court who ultimately found him guilty on all counts on 30th March 2026.
I am now also able to report that in 2008, Hutchings had already faced allegations of abuse and misconduct and was charged at that time with sexual assault. However, he was convicted only of offences relating to misconduct in public office after reaching a plea bargain with the Crown Prosecution Service in 2008.
Hutchings will now be sentenced for his crimes at Bristol Crown Court on the 24th July 2026.
I am instructed by a number of Hutchings’ victims to also pursue justice in the civil courts. I know from my clients’ experiences that although they will be delighted Hutchings has been found guilty, the criminal process itself can be a very draining and stressful process. I hope all of Hutchings’s survivors are able to access the support – both personal and professional – to help them in this emotionally difficult time.
A civil claim for compensation can enable survivors to access funding for therapy and losses as a result of abuse they have experienced.
Anyone who has suffered abuse can contact me directly for free, no-obligation advice about their rights.
If you, or someone you know, has been affected by Hutchings and would like further information about your rights, or for anyone with information that may assist my clients with their pursuit of justice, please contact me directly on josephcarr@bbkllp.co.uk or 07879 222 123, or email my colleague Anya Viljoen on anyaviljoen@bbkllp.co.uk.
