THE former chairman of a North-East police authority has appeared in crown court charged with perverting the course of justice.

Dave McLuckie, former chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, did not enter a plea at Newcastle Crown Court today, (Thursday, December 20), however at a previous hearing he has indicated he would deny the charge.

The 51-year-old, of Linden Grove, Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, will enter his plea on Friday, January 18 and it is expected a five-day trial will be scheduled.

The charge relates to an allegation that Mr McLuckie persuaded a man named Maurice Ward to accept responsibility for an endorsable road traffic offence in 2005 when he was vice-chairman of Cleveland Police Authority (CPA). 

Shortly afterwards Mr McLuckie was appointed as chairman of CPA.

He has been suspended from the Labour Party and stood down as chairman of the CPA in May last year.

Mr McLuckie was bailed on condition that he does not contact prosecution witnesses.