A former policeman accused of raping a woman when he was an officer 18 years ago was told he will face an Old Bailey trial when he appeared in court today (Tuesday 1 February).

Ex PC Stephen Kyere, 56, who retired from the Met last March, 2021, is charged with rape, attempted rape and indecent assault.

All the charges relate to an alleged incident in Teddington, south west London, when he was off duty in April 2004.

Kyere appeared in the dock at Westminster Magistrates Court wearig a white shirt, black coat, cream trousers and brown shoes.

He did not enter any pleas, and was granted unconditional bail.

Kyere, of Feltham, west London, was remanded to appear at the Old Bailey on March 1 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Rhianne Neil, prosecuting, and Kyere's lawyer Alicia Williamson did not go into details regarding the alleged offences.

The prosecutor said: ''The allegations came up at the time. They were closed and have now been re-opened.

''There has been no suggestion he has tried to contact the alleged victim since.

''They were not known to each other previously.''

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told Kyere: ''The charges must be sent to a Crown Court.''