A POLICE civilian employee and his business partner appeared in court yesterday accused of running an Internet prostitution agency.

John Docherty, 28, a finance officer with Durham Police, and 38-year-old clothes designer Douglas Fox, denied living off immoral earnings.

They are alleged to have knowingly lived, wholly or in part, from the earnings of prostitution, between September 30, 1999, and July 23 last year.

Mr Docherty was suspended from his job, at force headquarters, at Aykley Heads, Durham, when the allegations arose.

Yesterday's hearing at Durham Crown Court was adjourned for trial.

Mr Docherty and Mr Fox, both of Pavilion Terrace, Burnhope, near Stanley, County Durham, were granted bail.