A FORMER Special inspector with Wiltshire Police is to face trial by judge and jury facing a charge of perverting the course of justice.

Karen Ravenscroft, who works as a nurse, is said to have lied when her son was being investigated for a road traffic offence.

The 60-year-old grandma pleaded not guilty to the allegation when she appeared before a judge at Swindon Crown Court.

She is said to have written a letter containing false information to the police between February 22 2017 and April 30 2018.

It is alleged the defendant, who works at Bassett House care home in Royal Wootton Basset, sent the correspondence when her 36-year-old son was facing a motoring charge.

Ravenscroft, of Short Street, Melksham, pleaded not guilty to a single count of perverting the course of justice.

Judge Robert Pawson adjourned the case to a date to be fixed in 2019 and released her on bail until then.

Ravenscroft was a Special constable first in Merseyside and then when she moved down to Wiltshire.

She spent more than 14 years as a volunteer police officer, rising to the rank of inspector.

In 2013 she was a part of the team of specials in the Calne and Chippenham area which won a regional award for their work with young people.

Their Bluez 'n' Zuz programme worked closely with young people in the Calne area who were reported as being involved in anti-social behaviour.

The disco and games evening was set up for 13 to 17-year-olds and was designed to let underage teenagers enjoy a night out in a realistic but safe environment.

Police said the work helped reduce reports of anti-social behaviour and developed a greater level of understanding between them and young people.

The court heard that as well as her son she has a 26-year-old daughter and seven grandchildren.