THE district’s former top police officer has appeared in court charged with three counts of fraud.

Chief Inspector Jonathan Baldwin, the former Epping Forest District Commander, appeared at South East Suffolk Magistrates Court, in Ipswich, last Friday (May 29) facing three counts of fraud by false representation.

Mr Baldwin, 41, was mysteriously removed from his role as District Commander in November last year with the reasons for his absence only now officially confirmed by Essex Police.

He has been working at police headquarters in Chelmsford on restricted duties since the internal investigation into his affairs began last year, and ever since the Epping Forest District has been without a permanent head.

Chief Inspector Alan Ray is currently serving as Acting District Commander in a long line of faces at the top.

The District has seen five different faces as either acting or permanent commanders in the space of two years prompting many to despair at the lack of consistency in the upper echelons of policing.

Mr Baldwin was appointed to his position as district commander for Epping Forest in June this year taking over from Ivor Harvey, who was the third district commander for Epping Forest in two years.

At the time of his leaving, Mr Harvey was criticised for taking a promotion just six months into the job.

Ongar MP Eric Pickles once likened the situation to “speed dating” adding: “By the time you get to know them it’s time to go to their leaving do.”

Former district council chairman and leader John Knapman has also raised his concerns with Essex Police about changes at the top.

Mr Baldwin has been released on bail today, prior to his next appearance at Ipswich Magistrates on Friday, July 10.