Police officer to stand trial accused of rape
A police officer will stand trial accused of a number of off-duty offences, including rape.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sgt Richard Heard, 43, has been charged with three counts of rape and three counts of voyeurism.
He has also been charged with one count of controlling or coercive behaviour, assault by beating and perverting the course of justice.
All of these alleged offences were against one victim and took place between January 2022 and August 2023 while the officer was off-duty.
He also faces a further count of malicious communication against a second victim.
This alleged offence took place in June 2023 - again while the officer was off-duty.
Sgt Heard is currently suspended.
The trial is due to begin at Bournemouth Crown Court on 15 July.
Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240.
