The former police officer at the heart of a row over the bugging of an MP appeared in court today on unrelated charges of leaking information to a local newspaper.
Also in the dock was Milton Keynes Citizen reporter Sally Murrer – who is alleged to have illegally obtained stories from the man.
Former Thames Valley Police Detective Sergeant Mark Kearney, 48, of Old Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, faces eight allegations of wilful misconduct in a public office.
He appeared at Kingston Crown Court alongside three other people following an investigation into allegations that sensitive information was leaked to the media and other parties.
Following a short hearing the case was adjourned until March 10.
Kearney’s son, Harry, from Waterbeach Barracks, Cambridgeshire, appeared alongside his father facing one count of aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office.
Private detective Derek Webb from Harpenden, Hertfordshire, is charged with five offences of aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office.
Murrer, of Kensworth, Bedfordshire, is charged with three offences of aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office.
All the defendants were released on bail.
Kearney, who appeared in court under his full name Jonathan Mark Kearney, was last week named as the officer who bugged a meeting between Tooting MP Sadiq Khan and his constituent Babar Ahmad, who was being held at Woodhill Prison, Milton Keynes.
Kearney claimed he was pressurised by the Metropolitan Police to secretly record the meeting.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
