A POLICE officer from East Lancashire has appeared in court and denied his alleged role in Class A drug dealing.

Adam Jackson, 35, of Tong Lane, Bacup, pleaded not guilty to encouraging or assisting in the commission of supplying cocaine. That offence is said to have taken place between November 2015 and February 2017. Jackson, who has been suspended from his role with Greater Manchester Police, also pleaded not guilty to possessing cocaine and Methylamphetamine.

A second officer, Kerry Reeve, 35, of Barratt Gardens, Middleton, pleaded not guilty to encouraging or assisting in the commission of supplying Class A drugs and possessing cocaine and cannabis.

Also appearing at Manchester Crown Court were John Pounder, 30, of Blackburn Road, Rossendale, and Callum Wood, 27, Bacup Road, Rossendale, who both pleaded not guilty to making an offer to supply cocaine. That offence is said to have taken place between May 2014 and February 2017.

Pounder also pleaded not guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply.

They will all appear back at the crown court on March 23 for a pre-trial hearing, with a trial date set for June 25.