Stevens and ex-girlfriend Austin bailed by police

The detective who acted as liaison officer to the family of Soham murder victim Jessica Chapman, and a Crown Prosecution Service worker, were charged today with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, police said.

Det Con Brian Stevens, 42, was arrested yesterday, along with 32-year-old Louise Austin, an administrator with the CPS.

Stevens had previously been arrested and charged with child sex and computer pornography offences, but the case against him collapsed at a court in London last month.

West Midlands Police said in a statement: “Brian Stevens has been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice which is contrary to the Criminal Law Act of 1977.

“He will appear before a magistrates court on Tuesday, September 16.

“Louise Austin has also been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.”

The pair have been bailed by police.