Hampshire police officer denies sexually assaulting woman by slapping her on bottom
A Hampshire police officer who denied sexually assaulting a woman by slapping her on the bottom while on duty will appear in court next month.
PC Liam Porter, 40, is accused of a single count of sexual assault after allegedly walking up behind the woman and smacking her bottom in front of two witnesses.
The incident was said to have taken place after a rural training exercise at 1am on January 18 in Clanfield, Basingstoke Magistrates' Court heard.
PC Porter, of Lymington, entered a not guilty plea when he appeared at court.
He will next appear at Isleworth Crown Court on August 9 when a date for trial will be set down.
The officer was released on bail with the condition not to contact the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
He is suspended from duty by Hampshire Constabulary.
The force confirmed PC Porter is a serving officer and the offence is alleged to have occurred while on duty.