Telford & Wrekin Council Watch

18-YEAR-OLD MAN CHARGED WITH RANDLAY RAPE

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Steve Tonks has confirmed that in the last 12 hours a local man has been charged with rape in relation to an incident that occurred in Randlay in August last year.

The 18-year-old man from Hollinswood was arrested by investigating officers early yesterday morning and late last night he was charged at Malinsgate Police Station. In addition he also faces a separate charge of robbery.

The charges relate to an incident that occurred at around 5pm on Tuesday 11th August 2009 as the victim - a woman in her 20s - made her way towards Randlay from Stafford Park along the footpath between the A442 Eastern Primary and the railway line.

A/DCI Steve Tonks, the Senior Investigating Officer in this case, said:

"I can confirm that an 18-year-old man has been charged in relation to this major investigation and that he is set to appear at Telford Magistrates Court this morning.

"This investigation has been ongoing from the moment the offence was reported to us and an enormous amount of work has been done to reach the stage where charges have now been brought.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has come forward to help us with this investigation and, although incidents of this nature remain extremely rare in Telford & Wrekin, I would also like to remind local people that if they do have information about criminality of any sort they can contact West Mercia Police by calling 0300 333 3000, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

ENDS