Oxford News
Thames Valley Police detective in court over strangulation
Detective Sergeant Karl Ralph, 48, of Thames Valley Police, faces one count of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and two counts of intentional strangulation.
A woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, experienced bruising to her body and an incident in which she was threatened with a knife.
The alleged offences took place between January 31, 2024, and October 7, 2025.
He appeared at Luton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 27, 2026, and was released on conditional bail.
Mr Ralph, from Bicester, is based at the force’s Headquarters South in Kidlington in Oxfordshire. He is currently suspended from duty.
He is next due to appear at Luton Crown Court on Monday, September 28, 2026.