A SERVING Dorset Police officer has pleaded not guilty to sexual offence charges, including two counts of rape.

Police Constable Ravi Canhye appeared in the dock at Bournemouth Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on the morning of Thursday, March 9.

The 46-year-old has been charged with eight sexual offences – two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault and three counts of assaulting a female by penetration with a part of his body.

The allegations relate to two woman and while Canhye was off duty in April last year.

Canhye, of Poole, pleaded not guilty to all the charges when he was arraigned in court.

He was represented at the brief hearing by Alisdair Williamson KC, while the prosecution was represented by Sarah Jones KC.

Judge William Mousley KC said the case was to be transferred to Winchester Crown Court.

A trial date was set for Monday, September 25, with a time estimate of six days.

The judge set a further case management hearing in Winchester for Thursday, April 6.

The defendant was remanded on bail.

As reported, Dorset Police said Canhye was immediately suspended at the time the allegations were and he had remained suspended throughout the investigation.