Policeman stole from suspects

A Derbyshire police officer has been told he faces a prison sentence for stealing about £1,300 from suspects.

Baldeep Paul Singh Cheema, 36, pleaded guilty to two charges of theft.

Leicester Crown Court was told he took the money from two men he arrested in 2001.

Cheema claimed he had intended to pay back the money and eventually did.

However the prosecution said that only happened after repeated demands.

Cheema, who is married with a son, said he had been suffering personal problems and had threatened suicide at one point.

He is been suspended from duty during the investigation and had an offer to resign rejected.

Sentencing was adjourned for six weeks for reports.