Policeman jailed for corruption

David Rice was shot several times while sitting in his car

A corrupt policeman who became the "eyes and ears" of a murder suspect has been jailed for five years.

Det Con John Jones, 48, of Seaham, was offered cocaine and prostitutes to help Allan Foster stay one step ahead of the law, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Jones, 48, had denied four counts of misconduct in public office, but was found guilty on Tuesday 2 December.

Judge Esmond Faulks said then that he had abused his position of trust and that a jail sentence was "inevitable."

The jury heard that Jones began associating with Mr Foster who worked out at the same gym.

The hearing also heard how Jones, 32, repeatedly accessed a Northumbria Police computer to pass on police intelligence to Mr Foster, who is wanted in connection with the 2006 murder of South Tyneside drug dealer David "Noddy" Rice.

At one point they went to London for a night out involving prostitutes and cocaine. Mr Foster is believed to be in hiding in Spain.

After he was arrested, Jones told officers he associated with Mr Foster in all innocence, but accepted he had been foolish.

Privileged position

Jailing Jones on Wednesday Judge Esmond Faulks said: "At the time of these offences you were a detective constable in the Northumbria Police.

"At the gym you met Allan Foster. He had just been released from an 11-year prison sentence for violence, drug dealing, possession of ammunition and a sawn-off shotgun.

"Unwisely as time went on you became friendly with him.

"You then used your privileged position as a police officer not just to access the criminal intelligence system about him but, as the jury have found, to pass on to him sensitive information."

The judge added: "We are fortunate in this county to have a police force which people can trust.

"When a police officer abuses that public trust, as you did, a prison sentence is inevitable."