By Ashley Young-
A former detective inspector with West Yorkshire Police has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
Claudine Binns, 49, appeared at Bradford Crown Court to face a charge of sexual assault by penetration on a female aged 13 and over on March 6, 2022.
Miss Binns spoke to confirm her name and answered “Not guilty, your honour” when the charge was read out.
The trial, expected to last four to five days, was set for May 6, 2025.
West Yorkshire Police has previously said that Miss Binns was working as a detective inspector in Bradford district at the time she was arrested in May 2022 in connection with the alleged offence, which took place whilst she was off duty.
She was suspended from duty and has since retired from the force.
In the past five years more than 300 officers have been reported for rape and 500 for sexual assault, with just ten of those accused of sexual assault have been convicted.15 Jun 2023
Of the 1,151 officers under investigation, 428 have been placed on restricted duties, with another 378 suspended. The highest number of officers under investigation is from the largest force, the Metropolitan police, with 657 individuals accused of sexual or domestic abuse, or both.
At the end of 2023, it was revealed that over 1,100 officers had been accused of sexual abuse or domestic violence in England and Wales.
The revelation followed outrage after Met PC David Carrick pleaded guilty to 49 offences including dozens of rapes and sexual offences.