Northamptonshire Police officer charged with rape of teenage girl appears in court

Local response officer PC Declan Gabriel, 27, appeared at Kettering Magistrates Court charged with a single count of rape and two further charges of sexual assault on a female on September 21, 2015.

Gabriel has also been charged with misconduct in a public office on the same date after an inquiry led by detectives from Northamptonshire Police and the Force’s Professional Standards Department.

His address was not released to the public due to a “genuine risk” to his safety.

Chair of the bench Mrs H Winfield said: “You are fully aware that we are not able to make any more progress this morning and you will appear in Northampton on May 4.

“You are not to contact prosecution witnesses whatsoever.”

A Northamptonshire Police spokesman said the officer has remained suspended from duty for the duration of the investigation and will remain so until the conclusion of court proceedings.

In a statement, Deputy Chief Constable Andy Frost said: “Northamptonshire Police takes seriously any allegation made against officers in our force.

“Any internal decision regarding possible misconduct will take place only upon completion of court proceedings and because they are now active it would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment at this stage.”

Gabriel was granted conditional bail and will next appear at Northampton Crown Court on May 4.