Police Sergeant Charged with Rape and Sexual Assault
Police Sergeant Ben Lister, 35, faced Bradford Crown Court charged with rape and sexual assault. The West Yorkshire officer, currently suspended, confirmed only his date of birth during the hearing.
Alleged Incident from 2016 Under Scrutiny
Lister was charged on March 15 in connection with an alleged attack on August 29, 2016. Prosecutor Richard Davies revealed Lister had been out drinking with friends when he returned to an address where the alleged victim was also present.
“It is alleged Lister raped her and digitally penetrated her without consent,” Davies told the court. Messages exchanged between the two after the incident were also mentioned. Davies added, “As a serving police officer, he knows not to be as stupid as to contact her.”
Judge Protects Officer’s Address Over Family Safety
Deputy Senior District Judge Tan Ikram agreed that Lister’s home address should remain private. Defence barrister Suzanne Payne said Lister lives with his family, including a young child, and revealing his address could endanger them.
“It is an exceptional request but these are exceptional times for police officers, and the welfare of his family and child is of paramount importance,” Payne argued.
The judge agreed, citing the seriousness and sensitivity of the charges against a serving police officer. The case was sent to Bradford Crown Court with the next hearing set for 9:30am on April 21.
Lister was granted unconditional bail pending the next hearing.
