A FORMER Detective Inspector in the Bradford district has appeared in court charged with a sexual offence.

Claudine Binns, 49, is accused of sexual assault by penetration.

She appeared at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court for an initial hearing today.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson previously said: "The charge relates to an off-duty offence. 

"She was working as a Detective Inspector in Bradford district at the time of her arrest in May 2022 and was suspended from duty.

"She has since retired from West Yorkshire Police."

Binns was one of four officers – including two others from the same force - who appeared before Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court today charged with sexual assault.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Pictured, from left, Lee Meadows, Gary Cavanagh and Simon Clarke Pictured, from left, Lee Meadows, Gary Cavanagh and Simon Clarke (Image: SWNS)

They included Lee Meadows, 44, a former officer from North Yorkshire Police, who is accused of intentionally touching a woman in a sexual nature without her consent.

Both their cases were deemed too serious to be heard by magistrates and were sent to Bradford Crown Court on February 5.

Simon Clarke, 53, a serving officer with West Yorkshire Police, also appeared before the court charged with two counts of sexual assault.

He is accused of ‘smacking’ a woman’s bottom with a lanyard at a police station and, on another occasion, kissing her arm without her consent.

Gary Cavanagh, 59, also a serving officer with West Yorkshire Police, appeared charged with three counts of sexual assault, which are alleged to have taken place in a night club in Leeds city centre.

He is accused of kissing a woman’s head and touching her back and bottom without consent.

Both men pleaded not guilty and will also appear before Bradford Crown Court on February 5.