A former police constable from Hampshire has appeared in court on misconduct charges.

Jason Catton, from Fareham, is accused of forming relationships with female victims in investigations he was involved in.

Formerly of Sussex Police, the 40-year-old appeared in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, charged with eight counts of misconduct in public office.

Two of the charges state Catton established a relationship with women described as “a vulnerable witness” in an investigation he was involved in.

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The former police constable is also charged with four counts of encouraging women to breach coronavirus restrictions, along with two allegations that he breached restrictions himself during the pandemic.

The alleged offences are said to have happened in Sussex between September 2020 and January 2021.

Catton was unconditionally bailed to next appear at a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on May 23.