Isle of Wight police officer charged with misconduct in public office

PC James Martin is due to appear before magistrates next week

Author: Ryan BurrowsPublished 4th Oct 2024

A police officer has been charged with misconduct in public office for allegedly failing to release from custody immediately a man who was "unlawfully arrested".

Pc James Martin, of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, is set to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court next Thursday (October 10th) in connection with the incident which happened in December 2022.

A force spokeswoman said that Martin, who is based on the Isle of Wight, 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."

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