Handcuffed man
Image: v1ctor under CC BY 2.0

Police officer to face trial for off-duty rape and voyeurism charges

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight police officer will stand trial next week for a number of off-duty offences, including rape.

Police Sergeant Richard Heard, 43, is charged with three counts of rape and three counts of voyeurism.

First victim
He is also charged with one count of controlling or coercive behaviour, one count of assault by beating and one count of perverting the course of justice.

All of these alleged offences against one victim, happened while the officer was off-duty, between January 2022 and August 2023.

Second victim
The officer faces a further count of malicious communication against a second victim. This alleged offence took place in June 2023 and while the officer was off-duty.

The trial is due to begin at Bournemouth Crown Court on 15th July 2024.

The officer is currently suspended.


News shared by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, in their own words. Ed