Guard 'plied Islamic plot papers'

Paul Capewell passed the documents to his brother, the court heard

A prison officer tried to sell a newspaper details of an alleged plot by Islamic extremists to behead a colleague, a court has heard.

Paul Capewell, 41, who worked at HMP Frankland in Durham, is accused of smuggling out the information and passing it to his brother John, 45.

Newcastle Crown Court has already heard Paul Capewell passed on information about child killer Ian Huntley.

He denies misconduct in public office. His brother denies aiding and abetting.

Christopher Tate, a senior reporter for the News of the World said John Capewell telephoned him regarding information on the uncovering of a plot by Islamic extremists to kidnap and behead a prison officer, film it on a mobile phone and broadcast it on the internet.

Incriminating evidence

He explained that Mr Capewell had a photocopy of internal documents which contained the names of those allegedly involved in the plot.

Mr Tate said the News of the World did not publish any information provided.

Mr Tate also said John Capewell offered him information about Soham killer Ian Huntley for £40,000.

But he left court before he had finished giving evidence to seek legal advice after Judge Richard Lowden warned that he could be "incriminating himself" as aiding and abetting Paul Capewell's alleged criminality.

Huntley is serving life for murdering Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

Paul Capewell, of Salmon Street, South Shields, South Tyneside, denies a charge of misconduct in public office.

His brother, of Horsley View, Wallsend, denies aiding and abetting misconduct in public office.

The trial continues.