PC faces court on sex attack charges

A police officer was remanded in custody today accused of a string of sex attacks.

Pc Stephen Mitchell, who serves with Northumbria Police, is accused of 43 offences, including rape, indecent assault and misconduct in a public office.

During a hearing at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, Mitchell, who wore jeans, a white T-shirt and black sweatshirt, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

The 41-year-old officer, who was flanked by two dock officers, was remanded into custody by magistrates and ordered to appear before the same court tomorrow afternoon, when his solicitor Geoffrey Forrester will make a bail application.

The allegations involve 19 people and are said to have taken place between 1999 and 2007.

They include seven offences of rape, 17 of indecent assault and 19 of misconduct in a public office.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said Mitchell, who has served in the Newcastle and Northumberland area commands, was arrested in Glasgow on Monday and taken to the North East.

A spokesman added: "This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information which they feel could be relevant to the inquiry is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043 and ask for Northern Communications Centre.