A Merseyside Police officer has appeared in court accused of "abusing his position for sexual purposes".
PC Adam Hoyle has been charged with four offences of misconduct in a public office, which the ECHO understands relate to three separate women. The 39-year-old also faces three counts of unauthorised access to computer material.
He appeared before Liverpool Magistrates' Court this morning, Tuesday. Hoyle, of Yelverton Close in Halewood, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during a brief hearing.
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The copper - who wore a light blue shirt with navy trousers and a tie and sported short light brown hair, a beard and glasses - was not asked to enter any pleas. District Judge James Hatton released him on unconditional bail ahead of further appearance before Liverpool Crown Court on January 4.
The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges against Hoyle, who is based at Lower Lane Police Station, last week. This follows an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
An IOPC spokesman said: "We investigated the conduct of PC Adam Hoyle, 39, following allegations he had abused his position for a sexual purpose. On conclusion of our investigation, we passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service which authorised charges."
Merseyside Police said it could not comment while court proceedings were ongoing.
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