A former police officer is alleged to have visited escort workers and massage parlours while on duty.
Simon Gaffney, 53, was an operational officer for the National Crime Agency (NCA), based in Warrington.
Gaffney was charged with two counts of misconduct in public office after an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
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The former officer appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court this morning for a short plea and trial preparation hearing, when he denied any wrongdoing.
Gaffney, with white hair and wearing a blue Adidas face mask, grey suit, white shirt and tie, spoke only to confirm his personal details and enter his pleas.
He allegedly used the services of an escort worker or massage parlour while on duty on October 4 and October 29, 2018.
According to the two charges, "whilst acting as a public officer, namely an officer of the National Crime Agency", Gaffney "wilfully misconducted" himself by "wilfully neglecting" to perform his duty.
He is alleged to have done this by "contacting escort services and massage parlours whilst on duty" and then "absenting" himself from work "in order to visit and use the services of an escort worker or massage parlour".
Gaffney, of Coalport Walk, St Helens, pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Alex Langhorn, prosecuting, said: "I understand a four to five day trial could be accommodated at this court, starting on the week commencing October 17 next year."
Richard Orme, defending, asked the judge to extend his client's unconditional bail until his trial.
Judge David Aubrey, QC, remanded Gaffney on bail.
He fixed the date of October 17, 2022 for his trial.
The NCA is the UK's lead agency against organised crime; human, weapon and drug trafficking; cybercrime; and economic crime.
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