A HAMPSHIRE Police officer will appear in court next week charged with multiple counts of rape.

Police Sergeant Richard Heard, 43, is charged with three counts of rape and three counts of voyeurism.

Heard, of Basingstoke, will face trial at Bournemouth Crown Court on July 15.

The police sergeant is also charged with one count of controlling or coercive behaviour, one count of assault by threatening and one count of perverting the course of justice.

All alleged offences happened to one victim while Heard was off duty between January 2022 and August 2023.

The officer faces a further count of malicious communication against a second victim.

This alleged offence took place in June 2023 while the officer was off duty.

Police Sergeant Richard Heard is currently suspended.