A TRAFFIC policeman has appeared in court charged with three counts of wilful misconduct in public office.

Pc Robert Bowen, 44, from the Bury division, has been suspended from Greater Manchester Police until the outcome of the case.

He appeared before Warrington magistrates this morning, where his case was moved to the town's crown court for a preliminary hearing on Friday, January 23.

Mr Bowen, who lives in Rochdale, has been granted unconditional bail.