A long-serving police officer has appeared in court to deny three counts of theft and one of deception

Kevin Scott Williams, aged 49, of Douglas, denied stealing a watch worth £6,750 while carrying out a search of a property.

He also pleaded not guilty to stealing items from the Department of Home Affairs: a laptop computer worth £819 and about £480 in cash.

As well as the three theft charges, Mr Williams has denied a charge of deception.

He is accused of using the police budget to buy outdoor clothing and climbing equipment for his own use.

He was said to be the lead police search officer in charge of a budget ordering items.

Mr Williams, who has served with the Manx force for more than 20 years, was suspended in mid-September last year.

Before his suspension, Constable Williams was head of the search team and also chairman of the Isle of Man Police Federation.

He appeared before Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes on Tuesday.

She declined jurisdiction and said the case would be committed to a higher court, the Court of General Gaol Delivery, on July 10.

Bail continues with a condition to report to a police station three times a week.