Police officer accused of assaulting MP Mark Pritchard

A West Mercia police detective has appeared in court charged with assaulting Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard, it emerged today.

Graham Cooper, 51, who is a detective sergeant based at Telford Police Station, is accused of assaulting the 44-year-old in a pub toilet in Little Wenlock, near Telford.

He has appeared at Redditch Magistrates Court charged with common assault.

Cooper is alleged to have put his hand in the Conservative MP's face and shoved him against a wall in the toilets at The Huntsman pub on May 31.

It is understood that the officer was not on duty at the time of the alleged attack.

Cooper did not enter a plea when he appeared in court and the case was adjourned until July 4.

In a statement West Mercia Police said: "We can confirm that Detective Sergeant Graham Cooper was arrested and charged with common assault following an incident in Little Wenlock on May 31.

"The officer appeared at Redditch Magistrates Court on Tuesday. No plea was entered at this hearing. The officer is not suspended and is currently on bail."

Mr Pritchard said he could not comment on the alleged assault because of the ongoing court case.

He has been a Conservative MP for The Wrekin since 2005 and is the former secretary of the 1922 Committee, which is a gathering of backbench MPs which offers them a voice outside the front benches.

By Dani Wozencroft