A WEST Mercia Police officer based in South Worcestershire has been charged with rape.
David Parsons, 28, a police constable, is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court later today (Tuesday, July 16).
The charge relates to an incident which happened while he was off-duty and Parsons is currently suspended from the force.
Victims of sexual offences have lifetime anonymity and it is an offence under the Sexual Offences Act to identify, whether directly or indirectly, the victim of a sexual offence.
West Mercia Police said – due to ongoing court proceedings – it would not be making any further comment in relation to the case but would do when court proceedings had concluded.
Earlier this year, West Mercia Police joined all police forces in the UK to launch the Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service, which is run by the independent charity Crimestoppers.
The service gives the public an anonymous and confidential route to report concerns about criminal behaviour by individuals in policing. Reports can be made online or by calling 0800 085 0000.
