A former police officer has denied sexually assaulting a woman who he is said to have met on a dating app.

       Benjamin Mace, previously of Cambridgeshire Police, wore a suit as he appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

       The 38-year-old, of Palmerston Road, Woodston, Peterborough, indicated a plea of not guilty to the single charge of sexual assault.

       Mace, who has since resigned from the force, is accused of sexually touching a woman in Peterborough in 2019.

       The Independent Office for Police Conduct said the alleged incident happened while Mace was off-duty.

       He was bailed to appear before Chelmsford Crown Court for a plea hearing on March 16.