David Howarth is charged with five allegations of thefts from shops said to have occurred between March 18 and 30 this year.

The 46-year-old is a former beat manager for Gorleston, Cobholm and Southtown and has been a serving police officer for over 20 years but he is currently suspended from duty.

A spokesman for Norfolk Constabulary confirmed he had been suspended in April once the force became aware of the alleged offences.

Appearing at Norwich Magistrates’ Court he denied all five........

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