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September 17, 2012

Police action against Scottish Sun news editor over data allegations

By PA Mediapoint

The news editor of the Scottish Sun has been reported to prosecutors over alleged breaches of the data protection act.

Gill Smith, 40, was reported by officers from Operation Rubicon, the Strathclyde Police inquiry into allegations of phone-hacking, breach of data protection and perjury.

Strathclyde Police said they had submitted their report on Tuesday.

A force spokeswoman said: "Officers from Operation Rubicon have reported a 40-year-old female to the procurator fiscal for a number of breaches of the data protection act in relation to obtaining personal data of members of the public."

Under Rubicon, officers from the major investigation teams were tasked by the Crown Office to examine aspects of the evidence presented during the 2010 Tommy Sheridan perjury trial.

In addition, they are also examining specific claims of phone-hacking and breaches of data protection in Scotland.

News International declined to comment.

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