Former Warrington cop denies buying cocaine on duty (From Warrington Guardian)

Former Warrington cop denies buying cocaine on duty

12:51pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News

A FORMER Warrington police officer has pleaded not guilty to buying cocaine while on duty.

John Samuel Griffiths, known as Sam, appeared at Manchester Crown Court this morning.

He is accused of two counts of committing misconduct in public office after allegedly failing to attend an aggravated burglary on two occasions in order to buy cocaine.

The charges relate to two incidents in September last year.

The 30-year-old, who was formerly a PC for Cheshire Police at Arpley police station, is also charged with one count of possession of a controlled drug of class A.

That charge relates to an incident on January 18 in Manchester City Centre when Griffiths was arrested.

His arrest followed an investigation by the Cheshire Police Professional Standards Department.

Griffiths appeared in court and stood as the charges were read out. He pleaded not guilty to each count.

The defendant will next appear for trial at Manchester Crown Court on December 3.