Policewoman accused of selling escort services

Nov 29 2008 by Ben Guy, The Journal

A POLICEWOMAN allegedly caught advertising her services on an escort website will appear in court next month.

PC Vicky Thorne answered her bail this week and was charged with misconduct in a public office.

The 28-year-old, from Washington, Tyne and Wear, was arrested in August over claims she offered £100 an hour sessions.

She was arrested by her own colleagues and was immediately suspended from her position at Northumbria Police.

Miss Thorne was among eight women and six men arrested by officers investigating organised prostitution and corrupt public officials across Northumberland, County Durham, Greater Manchester, Cleveland and the Scottish Borders.

She was said to have been one of around 70 women on the Notorious Girls website, which was run by Neil Lock and his wife Natalie.

It is alleged the policewoman, from Washington, worked under the name Kelly and was described on the site as a brunette with hazel eyes. The site boasted: “We promote the finest selection of escorts throughout the North East and North West.

“Notorious Girls offer the finest value for money and exceptional professionalism.”

Miss Thorne will appear before Newcastle magistrates court next month.

The police officer was believed to be based in Houghton-le-Spring and has been with the force for a number of years.

The year-long investigation has been headed by Northumbria Police but included other forces.

Also arrested in the investigation was police officer Simon Alistair Harrison, who was on a career break from the force and was living in West Yorkshire.

After serving more than four years with the police, mainly in the Newcastle command area, he then took up a career in teaching. He has accepted a caution.

A customs worker and a civil servant were also arrested.

A police spokeswoman said: “Vicky Thorne, 28, from the Washington area has been charged with misconduct in a public office and will be appearing at Newcastle magistrates court in December.

“A police officer arrested as part of this inquiry who was on a career break, and has now resigned from the force, has accepted a caution in relation to data protection issues.”