Police officer denies two rape charges

A police constable from Leicestershire has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape.

Stephen Reynolds, 28, of Stoney Stanton, also denied one count of assault by penetration at Northampton Crown Court on Wednesday.

The charges relate to one adult female who is known to Reynolds, with the offences alleged to have happened in 2019.

Reynolds, who is currently suspended from Leicestershire Police and on bail, was told he is due to stand trial on 30 March 2027.

Judge David Herbert KC told Reynolds he would not be able to face a trial until next year due to a backlog of cases and renewed his bail with conditions not to contact the victim.

He said: "The earliest trial we can get is March 30 next year, I'm afraid, but that is rather earlier compared to other courts.

"Keep in touch with your solicitors in the meantime."

The trial is expected to last for five days.

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