FORMER Albury police officer Regina Watson appeared in court yesterday on an indictable charge of misconduct in public office.
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The fresh charge was filed on July 1 and was mentioned for the first time in Albury Local Court before magistrate Tony Murray.
Watson, 39, had previously been charged with taking part in a collusive agreement for information from the NSW Police Department’s computer systems.
That offence was listed for a defended hearing before magistrate Megan Greenwood last Friday, but was vacated when the new charge was laid.
Mr Murray, who has disqualified himself from hearing the matter, questioned why it was left so late for the new charge.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) representative Andrew Hanshaw said he was unable to provide an explanation.
The prosecution is being handled by a special section within the DPP.
Mr Murray ordered a brief of evidence to be served on Watson’s legal representatives, but said he would reduce the period to a month instead of the usual six weeks.
The charges have been adjourned until August 25 for a reply to the brief.
Watson left the police force in 2012 after having worked as a youth liaison officer and joined Juvenile Justice in Albury.