Former NCA firearms officer denies misconduct in public officer over alleged escorts on the job

A FORMER National Crime Agency (NCA) firearms officer has denied two charges of misconduct in public office over alleged visits to escorts and massage parlours.

Simon Gaffney, 53, was an operational officer for the National Crime Agency (NCA), based in Warrington, Cheshire.

The former police officer is alleged to have visited escort workers and massage parlours while on duty on two occasions in October 2018 after an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

He allegedly contacted and used the services of an escort worker or massage parlour while on duty on October 4 and October 29 that year.

The charges state that, "while acting as a public officer, namely an officer of the National Crime Agency", Gaffney "wilfully misconducted" himself by "wilfully neglecting" to perform his duty by visiting escorts or parlours.

He denied both counts at Liverpool Crown Court during a short plea and trial preparation hearing yesterday, December 21.

Richard Orme, defending him said he was a former NCA firearms officer, who had been involved in numerous operations against organised crime groups in the local area.

Judge David Aubrey, QC, remanded Gaffney on unconditional bail for a trial date next year.