Police officer arrested in escort inquiry

Aug 15 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

A POLICEWOMAN has been suspended after colleagues allegedly found her advertising herself on an escorts website.

The 28-year-old Northumbria PC was one of eight women and six men arrested by officers investigating prostitution and corruption across Northumbria, County Durham, Greater Manchester, Cleveland and the Scottish Borders.

She was arrested over claims she offers her services for £100-an-hour.

It is thought she is one of 70 women advertised on the Notorious Girls website run by Neil Lock and his wife Natalie.

It is also believed she works under the name Kelly and is described on the site as being a brunette with hazel eyes.

The site boasts: “We promote the finest selection of escorts throughout the North East and North West of England. Rest assured that high quality is for certain and your satisfaction is guaranteed.”

The officer is believed to be based in Sunderland and has been with the force for a number of years.

A year-long investigation has been led by Northumbria Police but included other forces. Those arrested have been bailed until November as further investigations are carried out.

A source said: “It is amazing that a serving police officer got mixed up in this. Whether she was desperate for extra money or whatever, she must have known she was gambling with her career.

“If she is found guilty in a court or of an internal disciplinary offence then she is finished. She could never work as an officer again.”

On his website, Notorious Girls owner Mr Lock wrote: “On Monday a large number of people were arrested, including Natalie and myself. We were questioned in relation to various so-called criminal offences.

“There were also raids carried out on our home and other locations in the North East and North West.

“The main issue they have is that one of the escorts advertised on the Notorious Girls North East site is a policewoman, so Monday was the day that saw Northumbria Police arresting each other.”

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “A total of 14 people have been arrested at addresses in Northumbria, Lothian and Borders, Durham and Greater Manchester. Computers and other material have been seized.

“The arrests are the result of a protracted investigation into organised prostitution and corrupting public officials.

“We can confirm that one of those arrested is a serving woman officer from Northumbria Police.

“Those arrested range in age from early 20s to late 50s. This is a complex, ongoing investigation so we will be making no further comment at this stage.”