Criminal case against Bedfordshire police officer discontinued
Chief Inspector Mo Aziz had been charged with multiple counts of rape, but the CPS say there's not enough evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction
A criminal case against a police officer who had been charged with multiple counts of rape has been discontinued.
Bedfordshire Police said a judge formally acquitted Chief Inspector Mo Aziz at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday.
He had been charged with 10 offences against the same alleged victim, who cannot be identified, between 2015 and 2022.
The allegations included four counts of rape, two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, coercive and controlling behaviour, causing a female to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of disclosing or threatening to disclose private sexual photographs or film with intent to cause distress.
Mr Aziz denied the charges and was due to stand trial this year, but after a review the Crown Prosecution concluded there was "no longer sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction", the force said.
Mr Aziz has been suspended since allegations were made against him in July 2022 and he was investigated by "an independent force", it added.
Bedfordshire Police said: "As criminal proceedings have been completed, a conduct investigation can now proceed.
"(Chief Inspector) Aziz remains suspended pending the outcome of that process."