A special constable for Kent Police would "punish" his partner when she failed to follow rules he set for her, a court has heard.

Richard Fagg, of Court Meadow Close, Rotherfield, East Sussex, denied a charge of controlling and coercive behaviour when he appeared at Maidstone Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, September 5.

The officer, 34, was accused of constantly checking and controlling all contact the woman had with others, setting rules for her behaviour, and punishing actions he believed were not acceptable within those rules.

Magistrates were told how Mr Fagg would look through the woman's internet history and use his role as special constable against her, telling her he "knew the law and was the police" in a series of incidents in the Tonbridge area between August 1, 2017 and March 26, 2018.

The alleged victim said in a statement she was made to feel isolated from her family and was scared and intimidated by Mr Fagg, adding she felt compelled to move her and her three-year-old son out of the house, so he didn't know where they were.

Mr Fagg disputes this version of events, insisting he was the one who moved out of the rented accommodation where the couple were living.

The court was told there was "no suggestion of imprisonment or that he has threatened her in any way."

The officer was initially arrested and suspended from duty on March 23 and will be the subject of a conduct review by Kent Police's Professional Standards Department following the conclusion of court proceedings.

Mr Fagg will stand trial later this year and was bailed to appear before a district judge on October 3.