Police officers deny rape charge

The officers are based in Guildford

Two police officers have denied raping and indecently assaulting a woman while on duty.

The men pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and one count of indecent assault each on a 23-year-old woman on 20 September 2003.

Pc Mark Witcher, 29, and Pc Andrew Lang, 30, both based at Guildford police station, appeared before Winchester Crown Court on Friday.

Both were bailed to appear for trial at Winchester on a date to be set.

The police officers also pleaded not guilty to three charges each of misconduct in public office.

The allegations are that they engaged in sexual activity with the woman while on duty and in uniform, that they told their superiors they were conducting a search and failed to report a potential offence.

It was claimed that the officers informed the control room that they were conducting a search to help a female crime victim while the alleged rape was taking place.

Mr Witcher, of Station Road, Drayton, Hampshire, and Mr Lang, of Overdale Walk, Whitehill, Bordon, Hampshire, were accused of carrying out the attack at the woman's home in Surrey.