Police officer pleads not guilty to misconduct

PC James Martin has been charged with misconduct in a public office following an incident in December 2022

A police officer has pleaded not guilty to misconduct in a public office by allegedly failing to immediately release from custody a man who was "unlawfully arrested".

PC James Martin, of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, where he denied the offence.

Judge Paul Dugdale adjourned the case for the 35-year-old, from Shanklin, to face trial on 6 October 2025.

Releasing the defendant, who is based on the Isle of Wight, the judge told him: "You will remain on unconditional bail."

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said after Mr Martin had been charged that he had been placed on "directed duties".

She said: "A Hampshire and Isle of Wight police officer has been charged with misconduct in a public office.

"PC James Martin is charged following an incident in December 2022, which led to the wrongful arrest of a member of the public.

"PC Martin is alleged to have failed to take immediate action to release the man from custody, once he discovered the arrest was unlawful."