A former policeman has been accused of trying to steal cash from a bingo hall by allegedly posing as an undercover officer on a covert operation.

Matthew Brakewell, who served with the Greater Manchester police as well as the force on the Isle of Man, is also alleged to have been in possession of a firearm when he entered the Gala Bingo Hall in Bradford on Monday.

He first appeared before magistrates in Bradford on Tuesday where it was further alleged that Brakewell was the man responsible for a similar offence at the Mecca Bingo Hall in Rochdale 11 days earlier, when £2,000 was taken. In total, he faces two firearms charges in relation to the Gala Bingo Hall and a further charge of burglary in relation to the Rochdale allegation.

Brakewell, who now works in the security industry, was dressed in a smart dark suit and white shirt as he spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during yesterday's short hearing.

District Judge David Thomas refused an application for bail by defence solicitor Paul Milner and remanded Brakewell, of Bridge Bank Road, Smythbridge, Manchester, into custody.

The 29-year-old was based in the Isle of Man's capital, Douglas, working as a uniformed patrol officer for three years after transferring from Greater Manchester Police.

The island's force media relations officer, Inspector Richard Power, said: "Mr Brakewell served with the Isle of Man Constabulary from 2003 until spring 2006, when he left to take up business interests of his own in the UK."

He said no further comment would be made.

Brakewell patrolled Douglas during his time as an officer and had previously worked in Collyhurst for Greater Manchester Police. During his time on the Isle of Man, Brakewell joined the Mount Murray Tennis Club there as coach.

He will next appear before a judge at Bradford Crown Court on October 12.

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