A LANCASHIRE Police officer has been accused of wilful misconduct and having an inappropriate relationship while on duty.

Lee Haworth, of Bolton Road, Blackburn, has appeared before magistrates accused of deliberately failing to attend an emergency and two priority response calls.

It is also alleged that the 38-year-old had an inappropriate relationship with Katrina Ianson-Hughes while on duty, which had a tendency to pervert the course of justice.

He had denied the relationship to his partner Anne Hegarty and Det Insp Paul Broxson.

Haworth, who worked in Accrington, also stands accused of two counts under the data protection act.

In one, it is alleged that he knowingly or recklessly obtained information contained in personal data, without the consent of the controller.

In the second count, it is claimed that he disclosed the personal data.

The maximum penalty for somebody in a public office, who wilfully neglects to perform their duty, is a life jail term.

Haworth appeared before Liverpool Magistrates on January 15. He will next appear in court on May 14.

A police spokeswoman said Haworth was suspended immediately following his arrest in line with normal police procedures.

Also as part of protocol, the matter was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

The police spokeswoman said: “Lancashire Constabulary demands the highest standards of professionalism from all officers and staff.

“The force takes all complaints extremely seriously and each one will be thoroughly and professionally investigated.”