A former Metropolitan Police inspector is set to face trial in February over allegations of historic sexual assaults spanning more than a decade. John Doyle, 53, who served in the Met’s Specialist Firearms Command, faces 17 charges, including five counts of rape and two counts of coercive and controlling behaviour.

Prosecutors allege that Doyle committed violent acts involving bondage, including placing a hood over the alleged victim’s head and wrapping her face in clingfilm, which restricted her breathing. Additional charges against Doyle include sexual activity on police premises and possession of extreme pornography.

The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2013 and 2024. Doyle, who is from Liverpool, denies all charges.

Doyle was dismissed from the Metropolitan Police in December 2024 following a disciplinary hearing. The trial was scheduled to begin recently at the Old Bailey but has been delayed, according to Judge Richard Marks. No new date has yet been announced.