Hutchinson, a self-confessed sex abuser has been secretly allowed back into Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party after being charged with indecent assault on a minor back in 2002. It emerged he'd been groping his 15-year-old prey for more than a year before he was arrested. His systematic abuse only came to light when the under-age girl finally plucked up the strength to tell her mum.

Hutchinson withdrew from the party and his council position, and in 2008 he rejoined as the treasurer of their Armagh branch.

When asked at the time about their choice a party member replied "The Party will be making no further comment on this matter." He confessed that during his period away from the official DUP ranks "I was at dinners for the area, and at DUP events from 2002 to 2008." adding "It had a big effect on me and my family and forced me to do some big thinking." "But I had, and still have, my wife’s full support."

Hutchinson’s wife, Shirley, went the extra mile to stand by her man when her husband's perverted abuse of an under-age girl was exposed. In a letter to a local paper she said her hubby was "not the first man to be tempted and fall.". She added: "I have to say what Brian did was wrong. I have no argument with that, but when he was found out he didn't lie, he didn't deny it or cover it up." adding "He confessed everything and acted honourably. He told me himself and was very remorseful and repentant, and I have forgiven him totally."

Hutchinson received a police caution for indecent assault — which involves admitting your guilt — and was put on the Sex Offenders Register for five years.