A POLICE officer has denied raping and sexually assaulting two women.

Michael Darbyshire, who worked as an officer in Worcester, appeared at Worcester Crown Court today to enter his plea.

He is charged with rape and five counts of sexual assault dating back to November 2018.

The 52-year-old appeared in a dark grey suit and with a face mask.

The charges allege that he sexually assaulted two women. The first count, of sexual assault by touching, is said to have happened on November 18, 2018.

The following two charges of sexual assault are alleged to have happened on November 9 that year.

He is also accused of raping a woman on the same day.

The remaining counts are both alleged to have happened on August 29, last year, and relate to sexual assault by touching.

The allegations are said to have taken place in Worcestershire and Coventry.

He denies all the charges.

The judge ruled Darbyshire’s address could be withheld from the public after the defence made an application to exclude it, saying he had been threatened previously, when individuals followed him in their car making cut-throat gestures and telling him he was dead.

Judge James Burbidge agreed to the application but said the press would be have the chance to challenge it.

Judge Burbidge said: “You have denied responsibility and a jury will try you on March 25.

“If you are in-fact guilty, you should admit it as the judge will discount the sentence.”

Darbyshire's bail conditions remain the same. He is barred from entering Fernhill Heath or the White Hart pub.

Darbyshire was charged in April this year and appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on July 2, where his case was sent to crown court for trial.

In his first court date at Kidderminster, he entered no plea.