Police officer to stand trial

A SUFFOLK police sergeant is due to stand trial accused of attacking a man while on duty and perverting the course of justice.

Andrew Jervis' case is due to come before Norwich Crown Court today and will be one of two hearings involving serving Suffolk police officers this week.

Jervis, who is based at Lowestoft police station, is accused of causing actual bodily harm to a 22-year-old man on March 24 last year.

The perverting the course of justice charge is believed to relate to the assault allegation.

The 41-year-old has denied both charges.

Today's hearing is for an application to move Jervis' trial date, which was originally scheduled for next Monday.

The officer does not have to attend the court unless he chooses to do so.

Although he works in the north of the county, Jervis' address on the court records is given as care of Police Federation, Stowmarket.

He appeared at the same crown court in October last year for a case management hearing, during which he entered his not guilty pleas.

The case originally started in Suffolk, but was referred to the Norfolk courts. Today's hearing is scheduled to be heard by His Honour Judge Downes.

Jervis was reported for summons on September 4 last year.

His first court appearance was at South East Suffolk Magistrates in Ipswich on September 9, during which the case was committed to Norwich Crown Court.

A Suffolk Constabulary spokeswoman confirmed Jervis is currently suspended on full pay pending the outcome of his trial.

On Friday another officer, David Shorten, of Ipswich, will appear before Norwich magistrates accused of theft while on duty.

The 41-year-old has been charged in relation to an incident on January 7, which is alleged to have occurred on the A14.

Shorten, a constable based in the force's traffic unit at Martlesham police headquarters, was arrested five days later, bailed and then charged last Friday.

He is currently still on bail.