A long-serving police officer has appeared in court after denying a string of thefts from Police Federation funds.

Kevin Scott Williams, aged 49, of Port-e-Chee Avenue, was due to be committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery on Tuesday. But advocate Roger Kane asked for a three week adjournment saying there was likely to be a change of advocate.

Mr Kane successfully asked for a bail condition to be removed requiring PC Williams to report to a police station three times a week but Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes increased the bail recognisance to £5,000.

Constable Williams has denied thefts of around £83,000 from Police Federation funds as well as stealing a watch worth £6,750 during a search of an address and a laptop from the Department of Home Affairs. He has denied falsifying details on a Police Federation cheque stub and failing to disclose debits made payable on a balance sheet to himself.

He also denied a deception allegation relating to using the police budget to buy outdoor clothing and climbing equipment for his own use.

He will be committed to the higher court on August 21.