Former Met Police sergeant appears in court accused of upskirting while on duty and exposing himself
A police sergeant appeared in court today accused of upskirting when using public transport while on and off duty.
Christopher Herd, 48, is also said to have exposed himself to an individual.
He was arrested on August 30 last year on suspicion of committing indecent exposure while off-duty and was later arrested on suspicion of the other offences.
Herd, of Capel St Mary in Suffolk, was suspended from his job with the Metropolitan Police following his arrest and resigned from the force on March 1.
He appeared today at Chelmsford Magistrates Court, which heard he allegedly exposed himself to a person with the intention of causing them alarm or distress at Manningtree, Essex, on July 23 last year.
Three other charges, all relating to incidents in Clacton, Essex, between March 12 and August 22 last year, allege he recorded an image under someone's clothing without consent for the purposes of obtaining sexual gratification.
All the offences carry a maximum six-month jail term and an unlimited fine.
Bearded Herd appeared in court for the short hearing dressed smartly in a dark suit with a shirt and striped tie.
He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address and – in a clear voice – to deny the charges.
Asked if he wanted the case to be sent to crown court for a trial before a jury, he added: 'Please.'
District Judge Jennifer Twite reconfirmed bail conditions, which include not having unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18 with the exception of his own children, not recording people in public places and not using public transport unless in the company of a named individual.
Herd must also avoid deleting any photos without permission and provide police with the pin number of any electronic devices.
The court set a date of June 12 for a preliminary hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court.
The judge said: 'I release you on bail until then. I also need to warn you if you do not attend the pre-trial and preparation hearing, there will be issued a warrant for your arrest. You are free to go.'
Herd, who was charged on Tuesday, walked quickly from the courtroom and headed into a meeting with his defence counsel.
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