A MERSEYSIDE police officer appeared at Liverpool Crown Court accused of raping a female colleague.

Ian Douglas Ramsey, who was making his first appearance at the crown court, pleaded not guilty to raping the woman police officer at Upton in December 1991.

Ramsey, aged 33, of Orston Crescent, Spital, also denied indecently assaulting another woman constable at Birkenhead between January 1993 and December 1994.

Ramsey, who appeared in the dock in a black suit, shirt and tie, spoke only to confirm his identity and to enter his pleas.

His counsel, Mr Henry Gow, made an application for the trial to be transferred to Chester.

Mr Gow said that 24 out of 25 prosecution witnesses were serving police officers, and there was the danger that Ramsey, who serves in Birkenhead, would find it difficult to find a jury who would not know one of the witnesses.

Judge David Maddison adjourned the plea and directions hearing until next Wednesday so that the Recorder of Liverpool could further consider the application, and Ramsey was further remanded on bail.

Ramsey's trial is estimated to last up to eight days.

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