A former police constable accused of stealing a Rolex watch during a search operation has admitted to a jury that he stole £60,000 from his colleagues.
Kevin Scott Williams, 51, who resigned from the force in February after a career dating back to 1992, denies one count of theft relating to a £6,750 watch.
But as he took the stand on the third day of his trial at the Court of General Gaol Delivery, it was revealed for the first time that he had pleaded guilty on February 5 this year to stealing £60,000 from the Isle of Man Police Federation between 2011 and 2017.
The defendant told the jury: ‘I am happy for everybody to know that I have admitted to those matters. It’s nowhere near as straightforward as made out.
‘There were serious errors for whatever reason and I wish to atone for them. I’m perfectly prepared to accept the consequences of what I have done.’
But he added: ‘That does not mean in relation to these matters that I’m automatically guilty.
‘I cannot and will not admit to any offences I have not committed.’
Prosecutor James Robinson said: ‘You stole a huge sum of money from your colleagues and you hid it for years.
‘Despite six years of dishonest actions, six years of hiding what you were doing, you say you were an honest man who acted honestly?’
‘I believe I’m a honest man,’ he replied.
Earlier, the former PC was asked whether he had stolen the watch from properties that were being searched as part of a joint police, UK National Crime Agency and HMRC operation in 2015. He replied: ‘Absolutely not.’
The trial at the General Gaol of Court Delivery continues.
* For more trial coverage read the Manx Independent, out in the shops tomorrow (Thursday).