No Charges Against Kent Officer

A senior Kent police officer, who was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting from a supermarket will not be charged.

Superintendent Rachel Adams, 46, was suspected to have taken £30 of goods, thought to include cosmetics, from an Asda superstore in West Malling.

She was detained on August 27 and then freed on police bail pending further inquiries.

Today Kent Police announced she would not face prosecution as it is believed it would not be successful.

A police spokesman said: "The 46-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of theft (shoplifting) in Kings Hill on August 27.

"Papers were submitted by Kent Police to the Crown Prosecution Service who has made the decision not to charge the woman, as they believe a prosecution would be unsuccessful.''

Ms Adams, the area commander for the Medway area in Kent, remains suspended from duty pending a decision over any disciplinary proceedings.