A DEVON and Cornwall Police officer has pleaded not guilty to shoplifting while off duty earlier this year.

PC Christopher Spence, aged 43, from Abbotsham, near Bideford, who is currently suspended from duty, denied a single count of theft when he appeared at Exeter Crown Court.

Judge James Adkin released him on bail and set a timetable for the progress of the case, leading up to a jury trial.

Spence is alleged to have stolen items from a shop in Bideford on Monday, February 12, when he was off duty.

In a statement issued before his first appearance at a magistrate’s court, Devon and Cornwall Police said: "A Devon and Cornwall Police officer has been charged with theft from a shop.

"The charge relates to an incident reported to have taken place in Bideford on Monday, February 12, whilst the officer was off duty. PC Spence remains suspended from duty."