A former Cumbria police officer, Matthew Stewart, has appeared at Carlisle Magistrates' Court facing charges of rape, sexual assault, and intentional strangulation.
Mr Stewart, 31, of Carlisle, did not enter pleas but indicated he would plead not guilty to the charges. The allegations are said to have taken place while he was off-duty and employed by Cumbria Police.
He worked for Cumbria Police as a special constable, community support officer, and police constable from 2015 before leaving in 2024. The police investigation reportedly began in April 2025.
Mr Stewart was granted bail with conditions prohibiting contact with the complainants. His case has been sent to Carlisle Crown Court, where he is due to appear on 21 September for a plea and trial preparation hearing.