A former police officer will stand trial accused of keeping his warrant card and a can of PAVA incapacitant spray after leaving the force.

Oliver Morwell-Neave, from Ash, near Canterbury, appeared before magistrates in Folkestone charged with theft and possessing a weapon.

The 23-year-old denied the allegations when he appeared in the dock.

The ex-Kent Police employee was charged with theft in relation to allegations he failed to hand back his uniform, along with his warrant card and ID cards.

He is also accused of being in possession of a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid. This relates to a canister of PAVA spray – an incapacitant spray used by Kent officers.

Magistrates heard it is alleged Morwell-Neave took the items between July 31, 2022, and March 30 this year.

It is also alleged he was on a training course for another role when the items were discovered.

Jullie Farbrace, prosecuting at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on December 14, said: “He was previously a police officer and had a duty to return items and equipment [when leaving a force] and it is alleged he didn’t do that.

“It is suitable for summary trial [at magistrates’ court].”

The bench decided the case could be heard in a magistrates’ court and set a trial date of August 7 at Margate Magistrates’ Court next year.

Morwell-Neave was granted bail until then.