³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

A councillor has appeared in court to deny charges of rape and sexual assault.

Mike Rouse, who represents Redditch South on Worcestershire County Council, said he had been suspended from the Conservative party at his own request and is now listed as an independent by the authority.

He said the allegation, related to an incident in Coventry, was "a single event in my private life which does not pertain to my official public responsibilities in any way".

A trial is due to be held on 10 March 2025 and a spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: "We are unable to comment at this time."

Mr Rouse has been charged with one count of rape and one of sexual assault relating to an incident or incidents between 21 and 23 February 2023.

He appeared at Warwick Crown Court on 28 June to plead not guilty and the trial will take place at the same court.

In a statement he said he wrote to his group leader in May, to ask that he be suspended from the Conservative Group on the authority.

He said that was "in keeping with party rules, which require my suspension in the event of being charged with a criminal offence".

He said he also referred himself to Conservative Central Office.

Mr Rouse said he wanted to "vehemently refute any suggestion of illegality" and thanked "all those offering unwavering support during this challenging period", including his wife.

Follow ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Hereford & Worcester on , and . Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk, external