A SERVING Dorset Police officer has appeared in court charged with two counts of rape.

Police Constable Ravi Canhye appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Friday, February 3.

The 46-year-old has been charged with eight sexual offences.

He is accused of two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault and three counts of assaulting a female by penetration with a part of his body.

The allegations relate to two women and while Canhye was off duty during early 2022.

Canhye, of Poole, was in the dock in a shirt and tie and wearing glasses for the brief hearing.

The prosecution was represented by David Finney, while David Hurley appeared on behalf of the defendant.

No pleas were entered to any of the charges.

Dorset Echo:

Deputy District Judge Robert Morgan-Jones, who presided over the hearing, sent the case up to the crown court.

The next hearing in the case is due to take place at Bournemouth Crown Court on March 9.

Canhye was remanded on conditional bail.

In a statement released on Monday, Dorset Police said Canhye was immediately suspended at the time the allegations were made and he had remained suspended throughout the investigation.

The matter was the subject of a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who has decided it should be subject to a local investigation by Dorset Police.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “We understand that charges of this nature will quite rightfully cause concern within our communities.

“However, due to the ongoing legal proceedings, we are prevented from commenting on this matter any further at this time.

“If anyone has any specific concerns about this case or any sexual offence crimes, please contact Dorset Police where information can be reported and dealt with in the strictest confidence.”

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