THE former manager of Wimborne Town FC has been charged with voyeurism and arson charges.

Alexander Browne, who previously played as a defender for Weymouth FC and Dorchester Town FC, appeared before the courts last week.

The 45-year-old was charged after cameras were allegedly found in the female staff changing room at HMP YOI Portland, where Browne worked as a guard and fitness instructor, in November 2018.

Further voyeurism charges have since been brought against Browne relating to alleged incidents in Weymouth, Dorchester and Poole.

The defendant, of Chickerell, appeared at Weymouth Magistrates' Court last week charged with five counts of voyeurism. Prosecutors allege he installed equipment to watch a person for sexual gratification and recorded a person to obtain sexual gratification without their consent.

He is also charged with arson after a fire broke out at the prison on the same day as the cameras were allegedly found.

Browne played for Weymouth Football Club for 10 years, making more than 600 appearances for the club, before moving to Dorchester Town in 2003.

He went on to make more than 200 appearances for Dorch.

In 2008, he was announced as the new player manager for Wimborne Town. He left the role in 2011.

He was also a coach for Dorset County Football Association.

Browne was remanded in custody and will appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on February 14.