Jailed policemen challenge drug verdicts

Two police officers who served years behind bars after one of Britain's biggest corruption probes, now claim to be victims of a miscarriage of justice.

Robert Clark and Christopher Drury, members of the South East Regional Crime Squad based in East Dulwich, were jailed at the Old Bailey in 1999 after being accused of selling narcotics seized in the course of their duties.

Clark was given a 12-year jail term and Drury 11 years for conspiring to supply a class B drug and perverting the course of justice. The sentences were later cut to 10 years and eight years, and both have now served their time.

But after a six-year investigation, judges are set to hear both men challenge the verdicts after the case was referred to the Appeal Court by the Criminal Cases Review Commission. Lord Justice Hooper gave directions yesterday for a full hearing in June.