An Isle of Wight police officer has pleaded not guilty to misconduct

A police officer has pleaded not guilty to misconduct in public office after he allegedly failed to release a man who had been “unlawfully arrested” from custody.

James Martin, from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, where he denied the offences.

Judge Paul Dugdale adjourned the case for the 35-year-old from Shanklin until October 6, 2025.

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

A spokesman for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police said after Mr Martin was charged that he had been assigned to “managed duties”.

She said: “An officer from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police has been charged with misconduct in public office.

“PC James Martin is accused of an incident in December 2022 that led to the unlawful arrest of a member of the public.

“It is alleged that PC Martin did not take immediate action to release the man from custody when he discovered that the arrest was unlawful.”