Officer in court over rape charge

Sgt Nicholas Clarke and Joanne Clarke have been suspended from duty

A West Midlands Police officer and his wife have appeared in court to face rape and sexual assault charges.

Sgt Nicholas Clarke, 48, is charged with raping a woman in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, between 26 and 29 June.

His wife Joanne Clarke, also 48, is charged with indecently assaulting a woman between the same dates.

The couple, of Rednal, Worcestershire, have been released on bail. Sgt Clarke will appear at Worcester Crown Court on 15 February.

Mrs Clarke, of Beacon Hill, a civilian worker with West Midlands Police, is also charged with supplying and possessing cannabis.

She will appear at Redditch Magistrates' Court on 22 December.

The couple have been suspended from duty by West Midlands Police.