A TOP cop has been charged with shoplifting after allegedly stealing batteries and football stickers from Tesco.

John Mauger, a suspended assistant chief constable in Police Scotland, was charged on Friday after a six-week investigation.

Mauger, 54, who also worked for Essex Police and the Met Police is said to have been caught by security staff in Tesco Highwoods after failing to pay for a number of items, including batteries and collectible football cards on Tuesday, March 15.

The dad-of-two, from Great Horkesley - who has been officially suspended by the Scottish Police Authority - has been ordered to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court next month.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "A 54-year-old man from Great Horkesley, near Colchester, has been charged with theft following his arrest at Tesco in Highwoods, Colchester, on March 15.

"John Mauger answered bail and was charged with the offence.

"He has been bailed to appear before Colchester Magistrates' Court."

Mauger previously spent three years on paid leave after a dispute with the now defunct Central Scotland Police, but the accusations against him were discharged last year .

A statement released at the time by the authority read: "The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) can confirm that all complaints and conduct issues raised against Assistant Chief Constable John Mauger have been discharged, and that no further disciplinary action is pending against ACC Mauger.

"This was a long-standing and complex historic case which SPA inherited from the former Central Scotland Joint Police Board.

"When the SPA inherited this case from the former Police Board it initiated a thorough and independent review which has brought the process to a conclusion.

"It is a matter of regret that it has taken four years to reach this point."

The authority also said it hoped Mauger would continue to "make a suitable and effective ongoing contribution to policing".

Mr Mauger later returned to work at the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan.

The authority has not commented on the current case.

Mauger joined the Met Police in 1983, before transferring to Essex Police as a superintendent.

During his time with the Essex force, he worked as District Commander in Rayleigh and in west Essex.

He was also a counter-terrorism, public order and sporting events commander.