Pc in court over 'escort' charges

A police officer from Northumbria has appeared in court following an investigation into prostitution.

Victoria Thorne, 28, from Washington, Tyne and Wear, has been charged with misconduct in public office, after allegedly offering her services online.

She appeared before magistrates in Newcastle alongside four people charged with prostitution offences.

No pleas were entered and all five were bailed to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on 22 December.

Neil Lock, 27, and his wife Natalie, 28, both of Abbotsfield Road, Galashiels, in the Scottish Borders, 59-year-old Nigel Lock, of Crescent Road, Manchester, and Oshar Marks, 56, of Ravenscourt Place, Gateshead, are charged with conspiracy to manage brothels for prostitution and conspiracy to control prostitutes for gain.

Neil Lock is also accused of attempting to procure misconduct in a public office.

Pc Thorne is currently suspended from the Northumbria force.