Journalist Sally Murrer, a reporter with the Milton Keynes Citizen, of Kensworth, Bedfordshire, has denied three charges of aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office.

The 49-year-old appeared in the dock at Kingston Crown Court yesterday.

She is charged alongside three other people following an investigation into allegations that sensitive information was leaked to the media and other parties.

Former Thames Valley Det Sgt Mark Kearney, (49), from Old Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, denies eight allegations of wilful misconduct in a public office.

Kearney’s son, Harry, (20), a soldier of Waterbeach Barracks, Cambridgeshire, denies one count of aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office and a separate charge of possessing a Class A drug.

And private detective Derek Webb, (53), from Harpenden, Hertfordshire, pleaded not guilty to five offences of aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office.

Judge Charles Tilling released all four defendants on bail until September 5. A provisional trial date has been set for November 3.