Policewoman in court on misconduct charge

A police officer allegedly caught advertising herself on an escort website made her first appearance before a Crown Court judge today charged with misconduct in a public office.

Victoria Thorne, 28, of Washington, Tyne and Wear, was in the dock at Newcastle Magistrates' Court alongside six others today.

The Northumbria Police officer did not speak during the brief hearing, for which she wore a green parka coat and had her long dark hair in a ponytail.

Alongside her was Neil Lock, 27, of Abbotsfield Road, Galashiels, Borders, who faced a charge of procuring misconduct in a public office.

He was also charged with conspiracy to manage brothels for prostitution and conspiracy to control prostitutes for gain.

Also facing those conspiracy charges were: his wife, Natalie Lock, 28, of the same address, Osher Marks, 56, of Ravenscourt Place, Gateshead, Nigel Lock, 59, of Crescent Road, Manchester, Alan Bartle, 52, of Hollinhill, Winlaton, Gateshead, and Kevin Dixon, 40, of Masefield Avenue, Swalwell, Gateshead.

No pleas were entered, and all seven defendants were granted conditional bail.

All of them were told to return to Newcastle Crown Court on 2 April next year for a plea and case management hearing.

Judge John Milford QC also set a provisional trial date of 20 July.