Inquiry call in police 'leak' case

Mr Bolton 'maintained his dignity throughout' said his solicitor

There are calls for an inquiry after a court case against a North Wales Police Authority official accused of leaking a confidential document collapsed.

At Chester Crown Court assistant clerk Peter Bolton, 51, from Abergele, an ex-chief superintendent, had denied wilful misconduct in public office.

But the trial ended after the prosecution said it would not continue.

Judge David Hale entered a not guilty verdict and costs were awarded from public funds.

Speaking after the case ended, agency journalist Elwyn Roberts, whose offices were raided by police as part of the investigation, called the prosecution into question.

"I believe there should be some sort of inquiry into the decision to launch the prosecution," he told BBC Wales.

"Both the decision by the chief superintendent to set up the mole inquiry in the first place and the decision of the CPS [Criminal Prosecution Service] in Birmingham to proceed."

Speaking on behalf of Mr Bolton, his solicitor Nic Parry said the past 12 months had been a "nightmare" for his client.

"This is a proud day for Peter Bolton and his family. It brings to an end a nightmare 12 months," said Mr Parry.

"He has maintained his dignity throughout his defence of this matter, and does so to this day.

"He does not wish to point the finger, he does not wish to make any accusations, he has maintained throughout he knew nothing about the leak of this document," he added.

It has been estimated that the inquiry and case could have cost up to £150,000 and the police authority and chief constable Richard Brunstrom are expected to face tough questions from those who did not want the case pursued.

The force had been urged by some MPs to drop the so-called 'mole' inquiry.

Complaints against Bill Brereton were in the leaked document

Mr Brunstrom was waiting to give evidence when the case ended.

Detective Superintendent Chris Corcoran, the senior investigating officer in charge of the Peter Bolton investigation said: "We have always maintained that a serious criminal offence has been committed and a serious breach of this trust of confidence.

"In light of the court's decision today we will have to consider our future actions in regards to this investigation."

Mr Bolton, from Abergele, had always denied the charge of wilful misconduct in a public office.

It was alleged he sent a confidential report on bullying allegations against deputy chief constable Bill Brereton to the media.

The document alleged that Mr Brereton, now retired after 30 years service, had bullied female members of staff within the force.

It was claimed that Mr Bolton posted the document to Dee News Service, a press agency based in Mold, in January last year.

Malcolm King, Chairman of the North Wales Police Authority said "full consideration" would now be given to the findings of the court.