A SERVING Metropolitan Police officer has appeared in court accused of stalking a woman while he was on duty.

Jonathan Simon, who lives in Colchester, allegedly started a sexual relationship with a woman after she called the police over a dispute with a neighbour.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard the 43-year-old suggested she get into prostitution and recommended a website when she told him about her money difficulties.

David Roberts, prosecuting, said the officer turned up at the complainant’s home and the bank where she worked, in full uniform with a colleague, after she told Simon she no longer wanted to see him.

Simon, who has been suspended by the Met, where he is attached to the East Area Command Unit, was arrested on Monday and held in custody overnight before appearing in the dock on Tuesday.

He spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address in Colchester, before denying a charge of stalking between October 1 of last year and July 1 this year.

Judge Nina Tempia stated he must return to the same court for a trial expected to last one day on October 6.

Simon, who joined the police as a special constable in 2010 before becoming a salaried officer in 2013, was granted bail on conditions he does not contact the complainant or go into the areas in east London where she lives and works.

The Met said its Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed and a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.