Police officer to face trial next year after pleading not guilty to rape
David Parsons, 28, is alleged to have attacked a woman while off-duty.
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
A police officer accused of rape has pleaded not guilty during an appearance before a Crown Court judge.
David Parsons, 28, a police constable based in South Worcestershire local policing area, is alleged to have committed the offence in January 2022.
West Mercia Police have previously said the charge relates to an incident off-duty and Parsons is currently suspended from duty.
A short hearing at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday saw Parsons formally deny the charge against him and be told he will stand trial on December 8 next year.
Parsons, from Worcester, was granted conditional bail by Judge Simon Drew, who told him: “I am adjourning your case for trial.
“I am sorry it is such a long way away but I am sure you know there is a huge backlog (of cases) here.”
The judge, who heard submissions from prosecution and defence barristers, was told the trial is expected to last for six days.
A pre-trial review was also ordered to take place on November 10 2025.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.