Serving police sergeant, 35, 'raped and sexually assaulted woman'

A serving police sergeant raped and sexually assaulted a woman after they spent a night out with friends in Bradford, a court heard today.

Sergeant Ben Lister, who is suspended from West Yorkshire Police, is accused of assaulting the woman on August 29, 2016.   

He appeared before magistrates at Bradford Crown Court today and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. 

Richard Davies, prosecuting, told the court Lister had been on a night out with friends and had returned to an address where the alleged victim also was. 

It was said they had both been drinking.     

Sergeant Ben Lister (seen outside court today), who is suspended from West Yorkshire Police, is accused of raping and sexually assaulting a woman in Bradford on August 29, 2016

It is alleged Lister, 35, raped the woman and sexually assaulted her without consent.

Mr Davies said a number of messages were exchanged between the two parties, and ‘as a serving police officer he knows not to be as stupid as to contact her’.

Deputy Senior District Judge Tan Ikram passed an order meaning Lister does not have to disclose his address in open court.

Suzanne Payne, defending Lister, said he lives with his family, including a young child, and publication of his address ‘could cause harm to his family’.

Lister appeared before magistrates at Bradford Crown Court today and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth

She added: ‘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.’

In passing the order, Mr Ikram said: ‘I make this exception from giving his address, with the heightened concern around offences of this type, especially when the alleged perpetrator is a serving police officer.’

Mr Ikram sent the case to Bradford Crown Court, with the next hearing due to take place at 9.30am on April 21. Lister was granted unconditional bail.