A SENIOR solicitor at Hampshire County Council has appeared in court facing an allegation of perverting the course of justice.

Jeremy Justin Penny, 47, of Vale Road, Ash Vale, Surrey, entered a not guilty plea to the charge at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Mr Penny is accused of telling the police that a non-molestation order was still in existence on August 20, 2014, knowing that it was no longer in force.

The county council has said that Mr Penny has been removed from ‘any legal case work’.

Mr Penny has been a solicitor since 1999 and works at the county council in Winchester as the leader in the adult safeguarding and education team.

His case was transferred to Winchester Crown Court and he will next appear on Wednesday, 22 August. He was released on unconditional bail.

A spokesperson from Hampshire County Council said: “Mr Penny continues to be employed by the county council. However, until the matter is resolved, he will not be undertaking any legal case work.

“As this matter is subject to legal proceedings, we are unable to comment further.”