Police Sergeant Faces Trial for Shocking Off-Duty Crimes Including Rape
Off-Duty Officer Charged With Multiple Serious Offences
Richard Heard, 43, a Hampshire and Isle of Wight police sergeant, is set to stand trial next week. The off-duty officer faces a barrage of charges including three counts of rape and three counts of voyeurism.
Additional Charges Pile Up
Heard is also accused of controlling or coercive behaviour, assault by beating, and perverting the course of justice. All alleged offences stem from incidents involving a single victim between January 2022 and August 2023, carried out while Heard was off duty.
Separate Malicious Communication Allegation
The sergeant faces a further charge of malicious communication linked to a second victim. This alleged crime is said to have occurred in June 2023, again during off-duty hours.
Trial to Begin at Bournemouth Crown Court
The serious case will be heard at Bournemouth Crown Court starting July 15. In the meantime, Sergeant Heard remains suspended from duty.
