Detective on data protection charges

AN OLDHAM detective has appeared in court charged with data protection offences.

The case against Det Sgt Alan Walker (44) was adjourned at Trafford Magistrates Court yesterday until September 29.

The detective is accused of 12 offences under the Data Protection Act.

Allegations of money laundering, misconduct in a public office and unauthorised taking of a vehicle have been dropped.

He was arrested in January alongside his wife, Paula, a civilian worker based at Oldham Police Station, but in June police said no further action would be taken against Mrs Walker (38).

Det Sgt Walker, of Oldham CID, is suspended from duty pending the outcome of the case. The couple used to live in Grotton but moved to Marsden.