Four men charged after reported rapes in Swindon

Four men have been charged with numerous serious offences, following an investigation which commenced after reports of several rapes at a property on Ratcoombe Road, Swindon, on 31st May last year.

Zak Hanman, 20, of Windsor Road, Swindon, has been charged with:

• Two counts of sexual assault by penetration

• Two counts of sexual assault

• Arranging/facilitating a child sex offence

• False imprisonment

• Committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence (relating to the supply of class B drugs to the victim)

• Sending photograph or film of genitals

William Smith, 22, of Farnsby Street, Swindon, has been charged with:

• Three counts of rape

• Administering a substance with intent to stupefy / overpower to allow sexual activity

• Arranging/facilitating a child sex offence

• Committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence (relating to the supply of class B drugs to the victim)

• Two counts of possessing a class B drug, namely ketamine and cannabis

Lewis Wheeler, 26, of Berton Close, Blunsdon, Swindon, has been charged with:

• Two counts of rape

• Committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence (relating to the supply of class B drugs to the victim)

Mason Tomkins, 20, Walter Close, the Prinnels, Swindon, has been charged with:

• Sexual assault

• Sexual Activity with a child

They have been bailed to appear before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 8th and 9th December.

The investigation began after reports of rapes involving three teenage female victims aged under 16 on May 31st last year and then was widened, to encompass further incidents in February and March last year.

Detective Constable James Pugh, from Swindon CID, said: “This is a significant development in our investigation into the incident, which occurred in Ratcoombe Road, in May last year.

“I appreciate the community concern it caused at the time and please be assured that we take incidents like this incredibly seriously.

“The victims involved continue to be supported, by specially-trained officers.

“I would encourage people not to speculate, to allow the criminal justice process to take its course.”

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