Prison data brother 'acted alone'

Paul Capewell said he saw confidential papers at his brother's home

A prison officer has denied supplying confidential documents containing details of inmates to his brother to sell to a tabloid newspaper.

Paul Capewell, 41, who worked at HMP Frankland in Durham, is charged with misconduct in public office.

Giving evidence at Newcastle Crown Court he said he spotted prison documents at his brother's house, but was not told where they came from.

John Capewell, 45, denies aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office.

HMP Frankland housed child killer Ian Huntley, among other Category A inmates.

Paul Capewell, of Salmon Street, South Shields, South Tyneside told the court that he asked his brother John "several times" where the documents had come from, but was told "mind your own business".

During an investigation, police discovered an official document containing photographs of high risk prisoners in a drawer in Paul Capewell's home.

He said he had put it in his pocket at work while tidying, but had forgotten he had it until he got home.

It was suggested during cross examination that he did not destroy the pictures because his brother had told him photographs were valuable to newspapers. He denied that.

John Capewell, of Horsley View, Wallsend, North Tyneside, chose not to give evidence in court.

The trial continues.