A BRADFORD police officer charged with rape and sexual assault has pleaded not guilty to the allegations and will stand trial next year.
Police Sergeant Ben Lister, 35, made his first appearance at Bradford Crown Court this afternoon.
A West Yorkshire Police officer in the Bradford district, he was charged on March 15 with rape and sexual assault relating to an alleged incident in 2016.
He appeared at the city’s magistrates’ court on March 24 when his case was sent to the crown court.
Today, Lister pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault by penetration.
His five-day trial was fixed to begin on January 24 next year.
Lister’s unconditional bail was enlarged until the trial.
Judge Jonathan Rose made an order under the Contempt of Court Act that Lister’s address must be withheld until the conclusion of the case, or unless another judge orders to the contrary.
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