West Yorkshire Police officer in court accused of rape

Benjamin Bottomley, 21, who is currently suspended from duty, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates' Court

A West Yorkshire Police officer has appeared in court charged with serious sexual offences.

PC Benjamin Bottomley, 21, is accused of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration.

The force said one alleged offence took place before he joined police, the other while he was a student officer.

At Sheffield Magistrates' Court, PC Bottomley, of Southowram, Calderdale, was bailed to appear at the city's crown court on 22 February.

A force spokesperson said both alleged offences involved one victim and were reported after PC Bottomley began working with West Yorkshire Police.

The officer had been suspended from duty, they added.