MAN TO APPEAR IN COURT FOLLOWING REPORTED RAPE IN WEYMOUTH

MAN TO APPEAR IN COURT FOLLOWING REPORTED RAPE IN WEYMOUTH

A man is due to appear in court in connection with a reported rape in Weymouth.

Dorset Police said they received a report at 10.37pm on Sunday 18 February 2024 raising concern for the welfare of a woman in the Park District area. Officers attended and located a woman in her 20s who reported she had been raped earlier that evening.

The incident was reported to have taken place in an alleyway off Stanley Street, Derby Street and Queen Street between around 9.15pm and 9.30pm.

Russell Tudor Jones, 63, of Weymouth, has been issued with a postal requisition to appear at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on Friday 20 February, charged with an offence of rape, following enquiries by the Major Crime Investigation Team.

Detective Inspector Shaun Inkpen said officers have continued to support the victim and keep her updated throughout the investigation. He added that the matter is now subject to active court proceedings and urged the public to avoid speculation or commentary, particularly on social media, to allow the justice process to take its course.