Ex-News of the World journalist denies misconduct plot

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-29163772

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An ex-News of the World reporter has denied plotting to commit misconduct in a public office by paying a Liverpool health care worker for a story.

The journalist, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at the Old Bailey with health care worker Alan Hagan, 47, of Galston Close, Kirkby.

The pair pleaded not guilty to the charge, which is alleged to have happened between January 2008 and August 2010.

Their trial was set for 30 March.

Judge Nicholas Hilliard QC bailed the pair and listed the trial for eight days.

They were charged earlier this year under Operational Elveden, the police investigation into corrupt payments to officials by newspapers.