TOP brass from Surrey Police appeared side-by-side in court today (Friday) charged with wilful misconduct in a judicial or public office and abusing the public's trust.

East Surrey Divisional Chief Superintendent Adrian Harper, 44, faced two charges:

• Providing misleading information and inadequate justification relating to a speeding offence on June 9, last year, to avoid prosecution.

• Providing false and misleading details relating to a speeding offence on September 15, 2008, to avoid prosecution.

Inspector Johnny Johncox, 46, appearing together with Mr Harper, at Aldershot Magistrates Court at noon faced one charge of providing misleading information to avoid prosecution.

The matter can only be tried at Crown Court and the case was adjourned for an initial hearing on December 21 this year.

Both men, who appeared together in dark grey suits, will face a judge at Winchester Crown Court.