Soham policeman charged with perverting justice

The detective who acted as liaison officer to the family of Soham murder victim Jessica Chapman, and a Crown Prosecution Service worker, were charged today with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, police said.

Det Con Brian Stevens, 42, was arrested yesterday, along with 32-year-old Louise Austin, an administrator with the CPS.

Stevens had previously been arrested and charged with child sex and computer pornography offences, but the case against him collapsed at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London last month.

West Midlands Police said in a statement: "Brian Stevens has been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice which is contrary to the Criminal Law Act of 1977.

"He will appear before a magistrates court on Tuesday, 16 September.

"Louise Austin has also been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice."

The pair have been bailed by police.

Stevens will appear at Bedford Magistrates Court.