An alleged police impersonator was brought before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate court yesterday to answer to charges relating to the theft of a laptop.

Charged with stealing a laptop and impersonating a police officer is Richard Miller.

Miller pleaded not guilty to both charges.

The court was told that on the day in question, the complainant was at a phone store on Luke Lane in Kingston with his laptop when he was approached by Miller who allegedly identified himself as a policeman.

Further allegations are that Miller told the complainant to follow him to the Central Police station on suspicion of theft of the laptop.

The court heard that while on their way to the station, Miller allegedly took the laptop and told the complainant to wait at a location, which he did in vain.

Resident Magistrate Lorna Shelly-Williams asked the accused if he was ever charged before to which he replied, "No your honour!"

Miller told the court that he was taken into custody after being spotted by the complainant a few days later and an argument developed, following which the police were called in.

The clerk of court however told the judge that he suspected that this was Miller's modus operandi as he was before the court on a similar charge.

RM Lorna Shelly-Williams made a fingerprint order so that Miller's records could be examined.

He was remanded in custody until January 17.