A FORMER police artist is launching a rogue’s gallery at Leominster Library.

Some of the darkest scenes in Midlands’ history were captured by John Hutchins in a 14-year career.

But his brush with the law was inspirational, and he’s ready to show the public his own scenes of crime.

The Leominster artist is launching a “slightly dark” exhibition of 60 paintings at the library on Tuesday.

Mr Hutchins, aged 62, worked for West Mercia Police and covered the M50 murder in 1988.

The grisly scenes he encountered inspired much of his work, which has appeared in the Tate.

“There’s a few pictures which reflect the nasty side of my work, but I’ve been involved in some big cases,” he said.

“Like the body in the wood painting – it’s a woodland scene but you can see the faces in the trees.

“Some of my stuff is slightly dark but it’s interesting and there’s a good history behind each piece.”

The exhibition is free and runs at Leominster Library until May 23. For details, call 01432 383290.