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Police officers in court over 'selling guns to public'
11 Sep 2009Two Pcs appeared in court today charged with misconduct in public office following an investigation into the alleged sale to members of the public of guns which had been handed in to police for safe disposal.
Durham Police officers Maurice Allen, 47, and Damien Cobain, 41, both faced Newcastle Magistrates' Court.
Pc Allen was also charged with 16 counts of theft - charges that relate to various firearms.
During the brief hearing, Allen, of Houghton le Spring, Wearside, and Cobain, of Sunderland, spoke only to confirm their names, ages and addresses.
They were remanded on unconditional bail and will appear for trial at Newcastle Crown Court on September 25.
Durham Police said the investigation into the two officers began in February following a burglary at a farmhouse in north Durham.
The owner of a weapon told officers he had bought the gun from the police, which led to inquiries being conducted by Durham Police's professional standards department, under the supervision of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
The officers were suspended as a result, arrested and interviewed concerning the allegations.
Allen has nearly 29 years' police service, and Cobain has been with the force for eight years.
Police said all the firearms had been accounted for and stressed there was nothing to suggest that any of the weapons had been used in criminal activity.
