Former police sergeant James Bowes charged with selling information to Sun

A former police sergeant will be charged with selling information to the Sun newspaper, prosecutors announced today.

James Bowes, who was employed by Sussex Police, is accused of misconduct in public office for allegedly passing information on three high profile investigations to the tabloid in 2010 for £500.

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on March 26.

Alison Levitt, QC, principal legal adviser to the Director of Public Prosecutions, said: "We have concluded, following a careful review of the evidence, that James Bowes, who is a former Police Sergeant with the Neighbourhood Policing team of Sussex Police, should be charged with an offence of misconduct in public office.

"It is alleged that in 2010 Mr Bowes provided information to The Sun newspaper in breach of the terms of his employment and was paid £500.

"The charge relates to allegations that Mr Bowes provided details to the newspaper about three high profile investigations being conducted by Sussex Police at the time."

PA