A police officer was asked to leave a court because he was wearing his full uniform, including body armour, baton and handcuffs.

The incident took place at Mold Crown Court on Monday during a sentencing.

Judge John Rogers QC saw the officer at the side of the room and said: "You can't come to court dressed like that. Will you please leave."

North Wales Police said operational uniform should be worn on operational duties, including attendance in court.

The officer had been due to give evidence at the trial, but was no longer needed and was sitting at the side of the chamber to await the sentence.

When the judge came into court, he saw the officer, and asked him: "Why are you wearing all that equipment?"

The officer replied that it was his work dress, but was asked to leave. He apologised and left the court immediately.

A North Wales Police spokesman said a force policy was in place.

"Operational uniform should be worn when on operational duties, including attendance at court," he added.

"This is necessary in order to ensure that officers are fully equipped to deal with any situation which may arise while they are on duty, whether in or outside the court."

Richard Eccles, North Wales Police Federation Secretary, said the incident was "unfortunate," and came after Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom wrote to the court service in February to highlight its policy following a previous incident in January.

"It is a sign of the times - we would all like to attend court in tunic with nice shiny buttons and a helmet, but it is not like that any more," said Mr Eccles.

"When in court, often there are lots of people milling about and officers are asked by court staff or others for assistance, and they have the equipment for their own protection and for that of the public."

He said that officers would not be able to stop to go and get their equipment if they were called upon to help people while driving to and from court.

"This officer did nothing wrong. He is simply carrying out instructions given to him under the force policy."

Mr Eccles added that it was not just a matter of officers taking off their belts and leaving them outside the courtroom.

"Incapacitant spray is classed as a section five firearm - it can either be carried on an officer's person or locked away in a cabinet at a police station," he added.

"It cannot be left in the back of a car or even in a car boot."

In other words, the Judge is an out-of-date t****r.

I agree with this guy

Another judge being a complete plonker

Judge in the DARK AGES!!!

Have to tell you all that we are not allowed to enter court at all with our gear on. We have two seperate uniforms being operational and court. If we are on duty and called into court we must dump all our gear before going in.

Even our court orderlies are frowned upon for wearing spray and handcuffs but thankfully we have had a win with OH&S on that one.