A NORTHWICH solicitor will appear in court charged with perverting the course of justice in connection with the Jock Straiton murder trial.

Will Hurley, who works at Northwich and Winsford firm mosshaselhurst, has been summonsed to appear at Chester Magistrates’ Court on June 30 to face the charge.

The 27-year-old solicitor was arrested on September 1, and released on bail, alongside fellow solicitor Emma Spruce and her mother and Northwich office manager Sharron Spruce.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Hurley, his solicitor Ruth Oakes said: “Mr Hurley is disappointed that this has taken so long and that the police did not respond to requests for it be resolved.

“Having said that, he is now pleased that he will have the opportunity to have his say in court.”

Chris Johnson, partner and solicitor at mosshaslehurst, was also arrested on suspicion of conspiring to pervert the course of justice on September 21.

But Cheshire Police have confirmed that the cases against Mr Johnson, Emma Spruce and Sharron Spruce have been discontinued.

In April last year, Joshua Spruce, from Winnington, was convicted at trial of murdering taxi driver Jock Straiton and was jailed for a minimum of 15 years alongside his co-defendant Nigel Goolding.

The pair were both 21 at the time.

Joshua Spruce is Emma Spruce’s brother and Sharron Spruce’s son. Mr Hurley was in a relationship with Emma Spruce at the time of the incident.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police confirmed: “On Thursday, May 13, 2010, a 27-year-old man was summonsed to appear at Chester Magistrates Court on June 30, 2010, to face a charge of perverting the course of justice.”