Policeman cleared of bribe charge

A Strathclyde Police officer has been found not guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The 34-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was accused of trying to bribe a witness in an extortion trial.

The High Court in Glasgow had heard allegations that the officer offered the witness £30,000 to £50,000 to retract his statement.

He was acquitted with a majority not guilty verdict after a four day trial.

The Pc was accused of offering a bribe to a businessman whose brother was the alleged victim of an abduction, extortion, assault and robbery in Glasgow in 2005.

Strathclyde Police issued a statement saying the Pc remains suspended from duty and is subject of a report to the deputy chief constable for consideration of an internal misconduct investigation.