Serving police officer goes on trial accused of sexually assaulting younger woman

A serving police officer has gone on trial accused of sexually assaulting a younger woman.

John Stringer, 41, from Cardiff, works for Gwent Police.

He is charged with 5 offences towards the woman which allegedly occurred over a interval from December 2019 to July 2021.

Stringer denies the costs which embody two counts of sexual assault by touching, two counts of inflicting or inciting a toddler beneath 13 to interact in sexual exercise, and one rely of inflicting a toddler to look at a sexual act.

Prosecutor Ian Wright instructed the jury at Cardiff Crown Court: “At the time of these alleged offences this defendant was a serving police officer with Gwent Constabulary.”

Mr Wright mentioned the defendant’s alleged abuse got here to mild after the woman made a disclosure to a instructing assistant at her major college.

The college in Cardiff notified her mother and father and South Wales Police instantly.

Officers from the power then interviewed her on 15 July 2021.

The prosecutor mentioned the sufferer had instructed police that Stringer had touched her inappropriately beneath a blanket and her clothes.

He additionally allegedly confirmed her pornographic movies with half-naked girls in them and requested her to “mimic” the actions of the performers.

The courtroom heard how the alleged offending paused through the COVID-19 lockdowns however later resumed when restrictions eased.

The courtroom additionally heard the alleged offences usually are not associated to Stringer’s actions as a policeman.

When he was arrested on 12 July 2021 Stringer, whereas beneath warning, instructed officers: “It’s a shock.”

He was interviewed and regardless of denying the woman’s account, was later charged.

The trial continues.