Cleveland Police officer charged with making false witness account

Image caption, The IOPC began an investigation into the claims in March 2021 following a referral from Cleveland Police

A Cleveland Police officer has appeared in court over allegedly creating a false witness account.

PC Neal Murray has been charged with misconduct in public office following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

It is claimed he signed an entry under a victim's name in his electronic pocket notebook on 21 November 2020 during the course of his duties.

The 46-year-old pleaded not guilty at a Teesside Magistrates' Court hearing.

PC Murray, from Normanby, Middlesbrough, is next due to appear at Teesside Crown Court on 4 August.

An independent investigation was launched by the police standards watchdog following a referral from the Cleveland force in March 2021.

The probe was concluded the following March and PC Murray was charged in March this year following a review of the evidence by the Crown Prosecution Service.

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