A Crown Prosecution Service lawyer has admitted taking a share of a £20,000 bribe to drop a case.

Sarfraz Ibrahim, a barrister who was the head of the advocacy unit at Gwent CPS, yesterday (Monday) admitted corruption, perverting the course of justice and misconduct in public office.

Swansea Crown Court heard he was caught in a police sting operation mounted by anti-corruption detectives following a tip-off that he might accept bribes.

Saifur Khan, who is not a CPS employee, has pleaded not guilty to aiding and abetting misconduct in public office and attempting to pervert the course of justice. His trial is expected to last several weeks, but the judge lifted restrictions on the reporting of Ibrahim’s case.

A CPS spokeswoman said it was not appropriate to comment at this stage.