The police inquiry into Milton Keynes Citizen journalist Sally Murrer cost over £200,000, it has emerged.

The BBC says that, using the Freedom of Information Act, it has discovered Thames Valley Police spent £205,000 on the investigation.

Ms Murrer was charged with aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office after Det Sgt Mark Kearney allegedly revealed confidential information to her.

Mr Kearney himself was cleared of misconduct in a public office.

The charges were brought against the pair last year after Thames Valley Police had bugged a police car in which the two had conversations.

A judge at Kingston Crown Court threw the case out last month after declaring the police had no right to bug conversations between the pair.

Mr Kearney told the BBC: “I think the taxpayers of Thames Valley are entitled to an explanation on how the money was spent.”

Thames Valley Police had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.