Police officer turned in by his ex-wife

A police officer who was shopped for pilfering by his ex-wife after their marriage ended is to stand trial.

PC Christopher Toms, 38, took a police issue chair and a ‘life saver’ throw rope before storing them in the summer house he used as his office, it was said.

After falling out with the mother of his one-year-old daughter, he moved out of the family home.

When his ex was sorting through his possessions she found the items and reported him to colleagues.

PC Toms spoke only to confirm his name and to deny two counts of theft when he appeared at Southwark Crown Court today (weds).

Toms allegedly took a Met issue office chair on New Year’s Day last year from the Safer Neighbourhoods base in Collier Row, Romford, Essex.

He removed the throw rope embossed with the initials KD from the Havering Patrol Base last August, it is said.

Both items were found by his estranged wife in the summer house Toms used as an office.

The serving officer, of Warden Avenue, Romford, Essex, denies both counts.

Judge Stephen Robbins released him on unconditional bail ahead of a trial at Southwark Crown Court on May 30.