Ex-detective's sex assault trial postponed to 2026

Claudine Binns appeared at Bradford Crown Court earlier

The trial of a former West Yorkshire Police detective inspector accused of sexual assault has been postponed for almost a year due to an administrative error.

Claudine Binns, 51, had been due to stand trial at Bradford Crown Court charged with an offence of assault by penetration, said to have been committed in while she was off duty.

However, the case had to be adjourned after it emerged the court did not have the capacity to hear the trial beyond Thursday, despite the fact it had been forecast to last between four and five days.

Ms Binns, who denies the offence, pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of attempted assault by penetration during the hearing, with her trial now fixed to take place on 13 April 2026.

Both offences are alleged to have been committed against the same complainant in March 2022.

Ms Binns, of Holmfirth, worked in the Bradford area before retiring from the force.

She has been granted bail ahead of her next appearance.

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