A "HUGE backlog" of cases has meant a police officer charged with rape is set to wait a year for his trial.

David Parsons, a police constable in South Worcestershire, pleaded not guilty to charges of rape after appearing in Birmingham Crown Court today (Tuesday).

The 28-year-old, from Worcester, had allegedly committed the offence in January 2022.

It is in relation to an incident off-duty in January 2022.It is in relation to an incident off-duty in January 2022. (Image: Jacob King) West Mercia Police have previously said the charge relates to an incident off-duty and Parsons is currently suspended from duty.

A short hearing at Birmingham Crown Court saw Parsons formally deny the charge against him and be told he will stand trial on December 8 next year.

Parsons was granted conditional bail by Judge Simon Drew, who told him: “I am adjourning your case for trial.

His trial will take place in December 2025. His trial will take place in December 2025. (Image: Jacob King) “I am sorry it is such a long way away, but I am sure you know there is a huge backlog (of cases) here.”

The judge, who heard submissions from prosecution and defence barristers, was told the trial is expected to last six days.

A pre-trial review was also ordered to take place on November 10, 2025.