A former police officer charged with sexually assaulting two women while on duty has pleaded not guilty at a Crown Court hearing.
Oliver Dines, who was a serving constable with West Mercia Police, is accused of two counts of sexual assault by touching following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The 31-year-old is alleged to have committed the offences in October and November 2020 in Herefordshire.
RELATED NEWS:
- Herefordshire man sexually assaulted and harassed woman
- Sentenced: banned beggar caught out breaking order in Hereford
- Hereford football fan accused of breaking football banning order
The charges relate to two women he met through the course of his duties, the IOPC said.
Dines, from Hereford, was granted unconditional bail after appearing at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday.
OTHER NEWS:
- Revealed: the best and worst GP surgeries in Herefordshire
- Herefordshire farmer speaks out after cattle escape from field
- Calls for ‘clarity’ over future of popular Forest of Dean beauty spot
Adjourning the proceedings, Judge Jim Tindal told Dines: "Your case will be heard in November of next year. I appreciate that is a very long time for this matter to be hanging over your head and indeed hanging over the head of the complainants.
"It is a reflection, I am afraid, of how busy the courts are after the pandemic."
The court was also told that the trial, starting on November 20 2023, is expected to last for around four days.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article