A serving police officer from Peel has denied a theft totalling almost £50,000.

Detective Constable Michael Stephen Crompton, of Imman Stronnag, pleaded not guilty to 20 counts of theft and one of transferring the proceeds of crime.

DC Crompton, who is currently suspended on full pay, appeared before High Bailiff Jayne Hughes on Tuesday.

Mrs Hughes ruled that her summary court powers were insufficient to deal with the case and the 45-year-old will be committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery on March 24 where a trial date will be set.

Prosecuting advocate Jason Stanley told the court that DC Crompton is accused of stealing £49,066 in sums ranging from £50 to £9,000 between January 2014 and October 2017.

He is also accused of transferring the sums from an Isle of Man Bank account in the name of Michael Crompton into various other accounts under his control.

Prosecutor Mr Stanley said the allegations involved online bank transfers from the account of an elderly relative over a period of three and a half years.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood agreed the case should go to the higher court. Bail continues.