A SOUTH Essex policeman has appeared in court, accused of abusing police computer systems for his own ends.

PC Stephen Tilley, 36, of Millview Meadows, Rochford, who is based at Rayleigh police station, appeared before Chelmsford magistrates on Wednesday, charged with misconduct in a public office.

He is accused of making personal use of information he got from police computer systems between May 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013.

During the short court appearance, Tilley, who wore a grey shirt and black trousers, did not enter a plea. The case was adjourned until August 18, when he is due before Chelmsford Crown Court.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Stephen Tilley has been suspended from duty and he is going through the courts process.

“His future won’t be decided until after the court case has concluded.

“He was suspended in July 2013 from his role as a police constable based in Rayleigh.”

A spokesman for the Independent Police Complaints Commission confirmed it was supervising the Essex Police investigation.