Barker e-mail probe dropped

Date published: 25/02/2010

AN investigation over allegations that a Tory councillor misused councillors’ computer e-mail accounts have been dropped.

Failsworth West councillor Ian Barker and his wife Jennifer, the Conservative group’s part-time researcher, were arrested, questioned and bailed in July, 2009.

Last month, police cleared Mrs Barker of computer misuse.

Now the Crown Prosecution Service has decided no further action will be taken against Councillor Barker.

Police were originally called in after a complaint to Oldham Council chief executive Charlie Parker about inappropriate e-mails which purported to be in someone else’s name.

Mr Parker said: “We have been informed today that a police investigation into alleged data protection issues relating to the use of certain e-mail accounts has now ended.

“We understand that the Crown Prosecution Service has informed the councillor concerned that no further action is to be taken.”

Councillor Barker was not available for comment.