 He made his Torquay debut in the Football League Trophy against Bristol City and was sent off on his league debut in the 2–0 defeat away to Mansfield Town on 23 October.In December, he joined Torquay on a permanent deal for a £20,000 fee.Initially a regular in the Torquay side, Hankin lost his place in the team due to injury, was given only a short-term contract, and left in September 2003.