An Isle of Wight Police officer who was found not guilty of misconduct in a public office is now set to face a gross misconduct hearing.
PC James Martin will appear before a Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary disciplinary panel later this month over allegations relating to his professional conduct.
The specialist officer, a dog handler, was previously charged with the criminal offence of misconduct in a public office following an incident in December 2022 which led to the wrongful arrest of a member of the public.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the wrongful arrest followed an incident in which fellow Isle of Wight Police officer PC Benjamin Magee was alleged to have made a telephone call to another officer while pretending to be a member of the public as a ‘practical joke’.
The member of the public was subsequently arrested on suspicion of sending a malicious communication and taken into Police custody, with their mobile phone seized as evidence.
They were released around 2-and-a-half hours later with no further action being taken after it was established that they were not responsible for making the telephone call.
PC Martin, from Shanklin, was charged in October 2024 over an allegation that he had failed to take immediate action to release the man from custody once he discovered that the arrest was unlawful. He denied the charge at Winchester Crown Court in November 2024 and was subsequently found not guilty following a trial in November 2025.
Following his acquittal, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said that Martin would remain on directed duties while any potential misconduct matters were considered. It has now been confirmed that PC Martin will face a gross misconduct hearing.
It is alleged that PC Martin misused Police systems to carry out research in connection with a member of the public who had made a complaint against him.
He is also accused of failing to act upon work information regarding the arrest of a member of the public, allegedly resulting in that person being detained for longer than was necessary.
Furthermore, the officer is alleged to have failed to mention the work information he had in his possession on 2 separate occasions when making statements in relation to the incident.
The force says the allegations amount to breaches of the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to Honesty and Integrity and Duties and Responsibilities.
PC Martin’s disciplinary hearing is due to take place on 21st September.
