A GWENT Police officer appeared in court today charged with sexual assault and misconduct in public office.

Sgt Richard Evans, 46, who address was given as The Highway, New Inn, appeared on bail before Cardiff Crown Court.

Evans could face up to four charges and a plea and case management hearing, where Evans will face precise charges, is to take place on April 24.

Judge David Wynn Morgan to the court that a trial was expected to open on August 18.

The court heard that the trial was expected to last six days.

Tracey Lloyd-Nesling represented the Crown Prosecution Service and Tim Evans spoke for the defendant at the hearing on Thursday.

Judge Wynn Morgan granted Evans unconditional bail.

A Gwent Police spokesman said: “Richard Evans, a serving Gwent Police officer from the Ystrad Mynach area has been charged with three counts of sexual assault and two of misconduct in public office.

He has been suspended from his post since January 2013.”