A FORMER police officer accused of stealing thousands pounds’ worth of mobile phones from the police store has had his case sent to the crown court.

Peter Yeates, of Gravel Hill, Poole, faces five counts of theft by employee.

The 51-year-old, who recently retired as a detective sergeant from Dorset Police, is accused of stealing mobile phones worth £10,671.35 belonging to Dorset Police between January 1, 2009 to March 31, 2012.

He is also charged with theft of 32 iPods, 18 digital cameras, three mobile phones, a Sony Walkman and an MPS player - worth a total of £2,683.53 between June 1, 2010 and December 3, 2011.

Yeates also faces three separate offences of stealing three digital cameras worth £45, £26.47 and £19.

The offences are said to have taken place in Ferndown and elsewhere in Dorset.

Bournemouth Magistrates' Court today heard that Yeates had not entered a plea and would face trial by jury at the crown court. '

Yeates was released on unconditional bail to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on March 18.