AN ISLE of Wight police officer will stand trial next year, accused of failing to immediately release from custody a man who was “unlawfully arrested”.

PC James Martin, of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, appeared before a judge at Winchester Crown Court this morning (Friday).

The 35-year-old denied the charge, which relates to an alleged incident in December 2022, and judge Paul Dugdale adjourned the case for a trial on October 6, 2025.

He was granted unconditional bail until that date. 

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.”