Hutton official accused of rape

The case was transferred to the Old Bailey

A civil servant who played a central role in the Hutton inquiry has appeared in court accused of raping a woman in central London.

Michael Burrell, 34, is charged with one count of rape and one count of indecently assaulting a woman between 28 September and 1 October.

The press officer was released on conditional bail at Horseferry Road magistrates on Thursday.

The case was committed to the Old Bailey on 19 May.

Mr Burrell, of The Pasture, Crawley, West Sussex, spoke only to give his name, age and address on Thursday.

He was arrested as he arrived for work at the Department for Constitutional Affairs offices in Victoria, central London, in September.

The DCA press officer was a Hutton inquiry spokesman.