Police officer pleads not guilty to rape

David Parsons, 28, denies the charge and will stand trial in December 2025

A police officer accused of rape has pleaded not guilty.

David Parsons, 28, a police constable based in the South Worcestershire local policing area, is alleged to have committed the offence in January 2022.

West Mercia Police has previously said the charge related to an incident off-duty and Mr Parsons was currently suspended from duty.

During a short hearing at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday Mr Parsons was told he would stand trial on 8 December 2025.

Mr 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 would be expected to last for six days.

A pre-trial review was also ordered to take place on November 10 2025.