Police officer who appeared on Call the Cops to face trial

A police officer who appeared on the Channel 4 show Call the Cops will stand trial over alleged sex offences against women and children.

Matthew Tregale, of Devon and Cornwall Police, pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexually touching a 15-year-old girl.

He faces 12 other charges between 2005 and 2021, including four counts of sexual assault by penetration and two of false imprisonment by another woman.

He is also accused of attempted rape and two counts of sexual assault by the same woman.

On top of that, the 35-year-old is charged with coercive and controlling behaviour against two other women and putting a person in fear of violence by harassment.

Devon and Cornwall police constable Matthew Tregale (pictured) denies all charges

He was also suspended from a cosplay charity in which he attended children’s parties dressed as Superman

While dressed as Superman, Tregale along with a Super Team member dressed as Batman helped arrest a shoplifter on the run from a supermarket as part of his work

The officer – who appeared in the Channel 4 mini-series in 2019 – ‘vehemently denies’ all charges.

Tregale, of Exeter, Devon, was suspended from duty and will face trial in September. 

He was charged in 2022 with the offences against the three women and he was charged with the child sex offences last year.

He was also a trustee of Devon Super Team – an Exeter based volunteer Superhero Cosplay Group raising funds to help Children in Devon with disabilities.

Last year, the group issued a statement about his charges saying: ‘It has been recently brought to our attention that one of our cherished heroes has been highlighted in the local news and on social media platforms regarding charges brought against them.

‘We understand that this may be a shock to the public just as it is a shock to our Charity’s volunteers.

‘In protection of the Charity and of this individual and their mental health, we are writing this statement to display our actions.

‘This individual has been responsibly asked to step away from further charitable events, visits and Charity work until the court verdict has been decided.

Tregale is pictured leaving Plymouth Magistrates’ Court in 2022

‘As a Charity, we are currently configuring our roles, members, and responsibilities out in this time.

‘However, we will not take further action until we receive further information.’

In April 2023, the presiding judge, Judge Michael Cullum, said the trial was expected to last up to five weeks and would take place in February 2023.

But this was vacated at that time and attempts were made to list it at the next available date.

The new trial date has now been listed for September 25 this year and the four-week trial will be held at Bristol Crown Court.

The judge told Tregale last year: ‘This effectively was a catch-up hearing for the new charges which you were aware about and your lawyers were aware about.

‘The overwhelming likelihood is that there will be one trial. At the moment, that case will start on February 12.

‘The matters will formally be joined at the pre-trial review which is on December 8. 

‘That is the next date that you have to attend court.

‘You are fully aware of your bail conditions. Thank you very much, you may leave the dock.’

Devon and Cornwall Police previously confirmed that Tregale is currently suspended from duty.