Serving Tayside police officer accused of rape in Dundee bailed

A serving Tayside police officer has appeared in court charged with committing a rape offence in Dundee earlier this month.

Steven Smith, 46, appeared in private and on petition at Forfar Sheriff Court in connection with the alleged incident.

He stood before a sheriff at the court on Monday January 14, two days after the sexual assault is alleged to have taken place.

He made no plea or declaration in response to the charge and he was not remanded in custody.

The Crown Office has confirmed that Smith appeared before a sheriff charged with rape under section one of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009.

It followed what the police have described as an allegation of a serious sexual assault two days previously.

Smith was granted bail and no further dates have been set in relation to the matter.

It is understood Smith is currently suspended from his duty as an officer for the service.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police Scotland can confirm that a 46-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a serious sexual assault, which occurred in the Dundee area on Saturday January 12.

“He appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court on Monday January 14.”