A serving West Midlands Police officer has appeared in court to deny serious charges, including rape and coercive control. The officer, who cannot be named for legal reasons, entered not guilty pleas at a hearing today.
Court Appearance and Charges Denied
The officer stood before His Honour Judge Tom Rochford at Warwick Crown Court on the morning of Wednesday, December 17. During the brief hearing, the defendant spoke only to confirm his identity and to formally enter pleas against all three charges he faces.
He denied two separate counts of rape and one count of engaging in coercive or controlling behaviour. The specific details of the allegations have not been disclosed in open court at this stage.
Suspension and Bail Conditions
It is understood that the police officer has been suspended from duty on full pay since the initial report was made in November 2023. This is standard procedure for officers facing serious criminal allegations while investigations and legal proceedings are ongoing.
Following today's hearing, the officer was released on bail. The court imposed strict conditions that must be adhered to while awaiting trial. The nature of these bail conditions was not specified in open court.
Trial Date Set for 2027
Judge Rochford has scheduled the trial to begin on April 12, 2027. This date, set over two years from now, reflects the complex nature of the case and the significant backlog within the Crown Court system.
The substantial gap between the initial report, the court appearance, and the eventual trial highlights the lengthy judicial process involved in such serious allegations. All parties will now begin preparations for the trial, which is expected to last several days.
The case continues to be managed by Warwick Crown Court, and the officer remains suspended until the conclusion of the legal process.
