A WOOLWICH police officer denied nine charges of raping a black community worker and one charge of perjury at the Old Bailey, last Friday.

Sergeant Peter Solley, 47, is alleged to have raped the 50-year-old woman between April 1, 1995, and October 25 last year. Eight of the alleged attacks were committed at the woman's home and one at a police training centre in Hampshire.

Solley, of Beckenham, Kent, also denied making a false statement during the Lawrence enquiry proceedings, on June 23, 1998.

A married man, he had spent more than 10 years as a liaison officer working with black and Asian groups and was awarded the MBE in the Queen's New Year's honours. He was also widely praised for his anti-racist views during the enquiry.

Facing a trial which could last three weeks, he was allowed bail with a £10,000 surety and a condition that he should live with his parents in Basingstoke.

He was also ordered not to enter the ring of the M25 except to attend court or to meet his solicitor by prior appointment.

He is due to appear again on November 26 for trial.