ERITH: Judge says lessons have been learned

A POLICEMAN who is also a lay preacher has been cleared of stealing police equipment to sell through internet auction sites.

Graham Croucher, aged 46, a police sergeant with the British Transport Police did admit to illegally possessing a pepper spray but was given an absolute discharge at Southwark Crown Court.

Judge Peter Fingret said the situation had been a hiccup in an otherwise impeccable career.

Mr Croucher, from Erith, runs his own internet site, Patchmania on which he displays a variety of police memorabilia.

The court heard how Mr Croucher, who has been with the police for 25 years, was suspended from duty while colleagues investigated the alleged theft of items ranging from handcuffs to reflective jackets.

A search of his desk and his home turned up a collection of helmets, handbooks and other police equipment.

But when the case came to court, the prosecution could offer no evidence on 21 other charges of theft of police equipment.

Despite this, prosecutor Andrew Keogh told the court: "Whatever assumptions may have been made by someone, the position is equipment, uniforms, insignia and other items of police property remain police property even if obsolete, damaged or otherwise no longer required for operational purposes."

On Mr Croucher's behalf, Patrick Gibbs, said Mr Croucher had suffered greatly as a result of the allegations.

A lay preacher and deacon at his local Baptist church, Mr Gibbs said Mr Croucher's standing in the community had been damaged and his promotion to inspector had been jeopardised.

The judge told him: "I accept your lengthy suspension and hiccup in your career have been a substantial punishment and endeavour to assure you you return to your job in the force at the rank you have reached.

"I shall order an absolute discharge trusting it may assist you in some way and you have learned your lesson from this experience."