A GREENWICH police sergeant who received praise for his anti-racist stance during the Stephen Lawrence inquiry appears at the Old Bailey tomorrow (Thursday) on nine charges of rape and one of perjury.

Sgt Peter Solley, aged 47, of Olron Crescent, Bexleyheath, is alleged to have raped a 50-year-old black community worker on dates between February 1997 and August 2000.

It is also alleged Sgt Solley committed perjury on June 23, 1998, after being sworn in as a witness during the Lawrence inquiry.

Solley, who received an OBE in the New Year's Honours List, was praised for his anti-racist views during the inquiry into the death of Eltham teenager Stephen Lawrence.

During the investigation, he described the “canteen-culture of racism” in the Metropolitan Police and spent more than 10 years as a liaison officer working with ethnic groups.

He is also said to have worked as a “go-between” for police and the Lawrence family.

At his preliminary hearing, Solley was granted bail with £10,000 surety and the condition that he lives with his parents in Basingstoke until the trial.