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Wednesday, 15 December, 1999, 17:00 GMT

Internet fear of undercover police

Two undercover drugs squad officers have been allowed to give evidence from behind screens for fear their identities would be splashed across the internet.

The men - known only as Craig and Mark - were key witnesses in the trial of former lawyer William Findleton and John Layden.

We asked for the petition because the officers are involved in undercover police operations
Depute fiscal Iain Smith

At Perth Sheriff Court on Wednesday, Sheriff Gordon Liddle accepted that the full names and other personal details of the officers should be kept under wraps.

Fears were expressed that the officers would become the subject of a publicity campaign on the internet sites of drugs barons.

Both men convicted

The pair's evidence about a sting operation at Scotland's annual rock festival T in the Park led to both Findleton and Layden being found guilty.

Findleton, a former law student at Glasgow University, was convicted of offering to supply amphetamines to the officers.

He was placed on probation for three years.

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Layden was found guilty of supplying the drug to Mark and was jailed for four months.

While there was no suggestion that either accused was involved in publicising the details of undercover police on the internet, Sheriff Liddle said he wanted the police to be protected.

He had become aware of the risk posed by criminals "disseminating the information on the internet".

Sheriff Liddle granted the anonymity request and Craig and Mark gave their evidence with false names and from behind screens to shield them from the public.

'Families' safety

Police chiefs believe major underworld figures are creating and spreading databases with personal details of drug squad officers.

Depute fiscal Iain Smith said: "We asked for the petition because the officers are involved in undercover police operations.

"It is for reasons of their safety and of their families' and it would no longer be possible to employ them."

Related to this story:
Scotland 'leading drugs battle' (14 Dec 99 | Scotland)
Anti-drugs drive launched (18 Aug 99 | Scotland)
Top policeman in new drugs call (06 Dec 99 | Scotland)

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