A BRADFORD police officer has appeared before York Crown Court as a defendant. 

PC Caitlin Howarth, 24, is accused of disclosing evidence and case information held by her police force to a person linked to a convicted criminal. 

The alleged offence is said to have taken place at Bradford between October 5 and October 10, 2021.

Howarth, who is based in the Bradford district, is currently suspended from West Yorkshire Police. 

She was not asked to enter a plea to a charge of misconduct in a public office. 

The Recorder of York, Judge Sean Morris, set a trial date of February 10, 2025, at York Crown Court. 

After talking to barristers for the prosecution and defence, the judge adjourned the case until a hearing on September 23 at the same court. 

Howarth, of Bingley, was released on unconditional bail until then.