A police inspector stands accused of sexually assaulting a junior officer during a night out in London’s Soho in 2023. The alleged victim, a fellow officer, told a court that Dave Newman, 39, made her feel “like a piece of meat” through his behaviour at a busy bar.

The junior officer testified that Newman had been staring at her chest and then moved closer while they were dancing. She explained that due to the police ranking system, she felt unable to refuse his advances outright and briefly danced with him to avoid discomfort. According to her testimony, Newman stroked her back and attempted to whisper in her ear. As she tried to walk away, she said he grabbed her in an intimate area.

The officer described feeling conflicted about whether to report the incident but ultimately decided to notify Metropolitan Police supervisors the following day. The trial, which is taking place at Southwark Crown Court, involves allegations that Newman sexually assaulted three female colleagues during the same night.

Newman, who is from Luton, denies all charges. Proceedings are ongoing as the court hears further evidence.