PC to stand trial for allegedly abusing his position

By Christine Lavelle

A POLICEMAN accused of breaching the Official Secrets Act and supplying drugs made his second appearance behind closed doors at court.

PC Derek McLeod, 41, is alleged to have abused his position to pass on sensitive information at West Calder police station.

The Lothian and Borders officer, from Breich, West Lothian, also faces charges for allegedly producing and supplying cannabis, as well as an accusation he was in possession of cash considered to be criminal property.

Appearing in private on petition at Edinburgh Sheriff Court Mr McLeod was fully committed for trial after a brief hearing in front of Sheriff Isabella McColl.

He made no plea to the charges, which relate to between June 3 2009 and May 12 this year.

Bail was again refused yesterday and he will have to return to court at a later date. His wife Jemima, 41, and son, Derek, 21, were charged last week with producing and supplying the Class B drug, as well as having money suspected to be the proceeds of crime.

They are expected to appear at court later this week after making no plea to the charges before being bailed.

It is claimed they were each involved in the production and supply of cannabis at their home in Blinkbonny Gardens in Breich, West Lothian, on July 2.

Policeman joins family in court over drugs charges

By Paul Thornton

A POLICE officer has been remanded in prison over claims he breached the Official Secrets Act.

It is alleged police constable Derek McLeod, 41, abused his position to pass on sensitive information between June 3 2009 and May 12 this year.

The Lothian and Borders officer has also been charged with producing and supplying cannabis, as well as facing a charge under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

His wife Jemima, 41, and son, also Derek, 21, have been charged with producing and supplying the Class B drug, as well as having money which is suspected to be the proceeds of crime.

They, along with Mr McLeod – who was based at West Calder Police Station in West Lothian – appeared in private on petition at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Monday).