A POLICE officer has appeared in court charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office.

Pc Philip Berry is expected to face a trial in March.

The 41-year-old, who was based at Bolton police station, did not enter pleas to a variety of charges when he appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court today.

Pc Berry, from Bolton, is also charged with conspiracy to do acts intended to pervert the course of justice, making a false instrument, fraud, obtaining a money transfer by deception and theft.

He appeared in court beside a co-accused Gary Knox.

Mr Knox, 32, of Seathwaite Road, Farnworth, is also charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office and conspiracy to pervert the course of public justice.

He is also charged with drugs offences.

Both men were in court for appeared in custody during the 20-minute hearing and remanded in custody.

No application was made for bail.

They are due to re-appear in court again on December 19 for a plea and case management hearing.

A provisional trial date of March 30 has been set.