Council solicitor cleared of perverting the course of justice

A solicitor with Hampshire County Council, Jeremy Penny, has been cleared of perverting the course of justice.

Mr Penny was charged last year after a Hampshire Constabulary investigation into an alleged incident relating to a report made to police on 20 August 2014.

He had been accused of telling the police that a non-molestation order was still in existence in August 2014, knowing that it was no longer in force.

While the matter was ongoing, he remained employed by the county council but was not undertaking any legal case work.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “We are pleased to note the outcome of Mr Penny’s trial in which he was fully exonerated and cleared of any wrongdoing. The verdict fully reflects our experience of his character and professional conduct. Mr Penny will be resuming his normal duties at the county council in due course.”