A FORMER senior Hampshire police officer today admitted abusing his powers by forcing young men to strip at a police station.

Gerry Hutchings, 48, admitted ten charges of misconduct in public office, when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court, sitting at Hove, this morning.

Hutchings, who was based as an Inspector in the New Forest, denied ten counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity by forcing them to strip naked and expose themselves for inspection.

Hutchings, whose address was withheld from the court by order of the judge, Cedric Joseph, also denied one charge of sexual assault.

He asked for another offence of misconduct, which happened at Eastleigh police station, to be taken into consideration.

Tim Thompson, prosecuting, said those pleas were acceptable and added: "For the reason of his basis of plea he at last concedes a real basis of what was going on, the misuse of power and the enjoyment of this misuse of power over young men in custody."

The court heard there were ten male victims, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

Colin Banham, on behalf of Hutchings, said: "He was a police officer for 28 years. On all counts this is a tremendous fall from grace for a man of his stature. Hutchings is no longer a serving member of Hampshire Constabulary. He has been dismissed on a fast-track hearing."

Mr Banham requested that Hutchings' address not be revealed because of concerns for his unwell mother who lives at the address.

Mr Thompson supported the application, saying: "Hampshire police have experienced public order difficulties when people's addresses have been disclosed."

Judge Joseph adjourned the case for sentencing on Friday May 9 and ordered pre-sentence reports to be carried out.