Police officer charged with attempted murder and rape

A POLICE officer has appeared in court charged with the attempted murder and rape of a woman.

Strathclyde Police sergeant Steven Campbell, 40, is accused of numerous offences that span more than 13 years.

It is alleged that on various occasions between January 1995 and October 2008 he tried to kill the woman at a number of places, including East Kilbride, Airdrie and an Asda supermarket in Hamilton. The charge includes claims that he shouted, swore and "uttered threats of violence".

It is said he assaulted the woman in various ways, such as throwing her against a tractor. He is also alleged to have thrown her against walls, doors and furniture, and to have compressed her throat, which restricted her breathing.

Campbell, of Hamilton, Lanarkshire, is accused of raping the woman between the same dates.

He also faces two firearms charges, dating from 1 January, 2000, and 9 October, 2008.

Mark Moir, defending, yesterday said during a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow that Campbell denied all charges.

Mr Moir and prosecutor Bruce Erroch said inquiries were on-going and a trial date could not yet be set.

Judge Lord Turnbull adjourned the case for a further hearing in March.