A Wiltshire police officer has appeared in court accused of Tasering a suspect in a cell.

PC Lee BIrch, 30, is alleged to have used the weapon against Daniel Dove in a custody unit at Melksham on December 23 last year.

He is also accused of misconduct in public office relating to his actions as he handcuffed Mr Dove and strip-searched him in the cell.

PC Birch attended a brief hearing at Bristol Crown Court today where a trial date was pencilled in for April.

David Scutt, prosecuting, said: "Neither side wish for Mr Birch to be arraigned for a number of reasons.

"It's important both parties think to set this matter down for trial and identify a trial date."

Mr Scutt told the court a pre-hearing was needed as both defence and prosecution needed to idenfify suitable experts in the use of Tasers.

He said: "Both parties wish this matter to come back to this court for a number of matters to be settled."

Mr Birch, with short, cropped hair and wearing a grey suit, white shirt, blue tie and remembrance poppy, was granted unconditional bail at an earlier hearing and has continued with his normal duties.

The officer, who has given his address as care of Wilts Police divisional HQ in Melksham, faces allegations of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and misfeasance in a public offce.

The case was brought as a private prosecution which has been adopted by the Crown Prosection Service.

The court hearing and trial will be fixed at a later date.