A DECORATED policeman believed to be currently based in Bridgwater has been charged with rape and three counts of misconduct while on duty in Devon around decade ago.

PC Nicholas Stone, 40, was also charged with three misconduct charges when he served with the Devon and Cornwall force between 1999 and 2001.

PC Stone, who, in 2003, was one of several officers to receive a commendation from the then Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable, Maria Wallis, for good police work, is charged with raping a woman at Tiverton between June 1 and July 31, 2001.

He is also charged with two counts of misconduct by having sex with the same woman while on duty and assaulting her in 1999.

The officer is also accused of misconduct by threatening to arrest another woman if she did not do what he told her in 1999.

PC Stone is currently suspended and any internal disciplinary process would follow the criminal case.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesman said: "We cannot comment on this case as it goes through the criminal process or to where he was serving before his suspension."

A Devon and Cornwall police spokesman said: "We confirm PC Stone was an officer with this force at the time of the alleged offences.

"We're carrying out the investigation, but Avon and Somerset are dealing with the internal disciplinary side.

"We cannot comment further until the conclusion of the case."

PC Stone was later transferred to the Avon and Somerset force and is currently based at Bridgwater.

PC Stone, of Pitminster near Taunton, was due to appear at Exeter Magistrates' Court last week, but was excused from appearing.

He was bailed in his absence and he is due to appear before Exeter magistrates on September 3.