A POLICE officer has appeared in court charged with harassing his partner for nearly a decade.

PC Jonathan Williams, 28, of Pall Mall, Leigh, denies putting his childhood sweetheart through more than nine years of violence and harassment.

Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court heard the allegations date from between January 2005 and October this year.

It is alleged the incidents happened when Williams and former partner, Natasha Hedges, of London Road, Benfleet, began seeing each other as teenagers.

Emma Howson, prosecuting, said: “There were deliberate threats and persistent action over a long period of time.”

Williams, who is also known as Jon and is based at Southend police station, shook his head in the dock as the prosecution read out details of alleged violence.

He claims the allegations are malicious after the recent breakdown of their relationship.

Wearing a grey jumper and jeans, and supported by his family, Williams spoke only to confirm his name in the short hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

He was released on bail on the condition he does not contact his former partner or go to her address. He will next appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on February 2, next year.