A serving police officer in Britain who was named in a leaked list of British National Party members will face a misconduct panel, his force said today.
Pc Steve Bettley, of Merseyside Police, was included in the list of the far right party’s entire membership register which was leaked on an internet blog.
The officer, who was briefly the driver for chief constable Bernard Hogan Howe, has been suspended from duty since the list became public last month.
A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said today: “Merseyside Police has completed its investigation of an officer alleged to be a member of the BNP.
“It has been recommended that the Police Constable face a misconduct panel.
“The matter is now in the hands of Merseyside Police’s solicitors for further consideration.
“The Constable remains suspended.”
The leak provoked outrage after members of the BNP were revealed to be current and former servicemen, teachers and doctors.
The list included the names, professions, addresses and telephone numbers of thousands of BNP supporters.
When the list was published, BNP leader Nick Griffin pledged to take court action against those behind the leak.
Dyfed-Powys Police is leading a joint investigation with the Information Commissioner’s office into the alleged breach of the Data Protection Act.
A Dyfed-Powys spokeswoman said: "Two people were arrested in Nottinghamshire on December 4th in connection with an allegation of a criminal offence under the Data Protection Act.
"They have been bailed pending further inquiries."
PA