A police officer accused of misconduct in public office over alleged false witness statement has appeared in court.

PC Neal Murray, of Cleveland Police, is alleged to have created a false witness account after he signed an entry under a victim’s name in his electronic pocket notebook on 21 November 2020 during the course of his duties.

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation resulted in the officer being charged with the offence following a referral from the force in March 2021.

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Following a 12-month probe, a file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service which reviewed the evidence and authorised the charge in March 2023.

Murray, who is from the Middlesbrough area, did not enter a plea to the charge.

The officer was given unconditional bail and told he must attended Teesside Crown Court on Friday, August 4.