A FORMER Gwent police officer, who was due to stand trial for breaching the Data Protection Act, had the case against her dropped yesterday.

Sharon Lynne Head, 34, who worked as a sergeant in the Gwent area, resigned with immediate effect from Gwent Police Force and prosecutor Chris Rees, told Cardiff Crown Court it was no longer in the public interest to pursue a two-week trial.

Mr Rees said Ms Head’s resignation had been accepted by Gwent Police and as the case may only result in a financial penalty, the prosecution formally offered no evidence in the case.

Ms Head previously denied six charges of breaching the Data Protection Act between February 2006 and March 2007.

Andrew Jones, defending, asked for Ms Head to be discharged.

Judge Paul Thomas, QC, said: “In view of your resignation the prosecution have taken the view, which I agree with, that it is not in the public interest for a two-week trial, which could lead to only a financial penalty.

"In the circumstances I enter not guilty verdicts in relation to all matters, which you stand trial.”