Scots policeman 'raped vulnerable women he met on duty'

Pc Stephen Mitchell, 42, denies five counts of rape, six of indecent assault and 15 of misconduct in public office, with the alleged offences spanning a seven-year period.

The officer, from Glasgow, was based at Pilgrim Street police station in Newcastle, where he came across heroin addicts and other vulnerable women.

Paul Sloan QC, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: "It was during the course of his duties that the defendant came into contact with each of the complainants in this case.

"As well as being known to the police, each of the complainants was a vulnerable female, whether because of drug abuse, health problems, domestic circumstances or a combination of those factors.

"The defendant took advantage of their vulnerabilities, usually providing or offering favours but then requesting or in some cases requiring by force sexual favours in return."

Mitchell joined Northumbria Police in 1998, the court heard.

A heroin addict claimed he had unprotected sex with her at her home, having got her address after she was arrested, Mr Sloan said.

The woman, now 36, was questioned at Pilgrim Street police station after she was held on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

The court heard she claims he told her he could get her bailed, but he wanted a "favour" in return.

He allegedly groped her in an interview room and, having got her address, said he would see her that night.

"Over the next few months, the defendant continued to frequent her home address on a regular basis and engage in sexual activity with her," Mr Sloan told the court.

That continued until she moved house, Mr Sloan said.

It is alleged Mitchell repeatedly raped a heroin addict who asked him to help her win back her children from care.

The woman, now in her 30s and from North Tyneside, said he gave her heroin when he picked her up in his car and even gave her money to buy foil and a lighter from a shop so she could take it.

Mr Sloan said the officer then told her: "I have done you a favour, I want you to do one for me." He then forced her to commit a sex act on him, the court heard.

Days later, he threatened to plant heroin in her home if she did not get into his car, Mr Sloan said, where she performed another sex act.

The next day the defendant drove her to a dirt track, Mr Sloan said, adding: "This time he raped her."

He forced himself on her several more times, the court heard.

He promised he would help her get her children back, though she never did. He also gave her more drugs, the court was told. The case continues.