Northern Ireland

Police officer appears in court to deny series of sexual offences

Laurence Ross (54) attended Belfast Crown Court via a videolink
Laurence Ross (54) attended Belfast Crown Court via a videolink Laurence Ross (54) attended Belfast Crown Court via a videolink

A POLICE officer has appeared in court to deny a series of sexual offences including rape.

Laurence Ross attended Belfast Crown Court via a videolink with his solicitor's office.

The 54-year old, whose address was given as PNSI Brooklyn on Belfast's Knock Road, confirmed he could see and hear the proceedings.

A court clerk then put nine charges to Ross, all of which he denied. They include three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, two charges of voyeurism and two counts of common assault.

The charges cover a period from February 2007 to July 2018 and involve one female complainant.

Judge Patricia Smyth set the date for trial as March 27 2023. The Belfast Recorder also said she would review the case ahead of trial, on January 6.