A teenager has been charged with rape following a major police investigation into an attack on a woman in secluded woodland in Telford almost a year ago.

Latest story: Teenager in court over Telford woods rape

Detectives offered a £10,000 reward for the conviction of the “Randlay Rapist” following the assault in August last year.

They also put up wanted posters all over the borough with artist’s impressions of the man they were hunting.

The victim, a 20-year-old woman, was walking towards Randlay along a footpath between the A442 Eastern Primary and the railway line when she was pulled into a wooded area by a man and attacked.

Today officers confirmed a man had been charged with the rape.

The 18-year-old, from Hollinswood in Telford, was arrested by investigating officers yesterday and charged late last night.

He also faces a separate charge of robbery and was expected to appear at Telford Magistrates Court today.
Offence

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Steve Tonks, senior investigating officer in the 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.

“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.”

The victim had been about to cross the red and white footbridge over the Eastern Primary at 5pm, in broad daylight, when her attacker pulled her into a wooded area close to the railway line. She had been walking to Randlay from Stafford Park, Telford.

A team of officers was deployed to distribute posters and leaflets all over the borough as a major appeal for information was launched.

By Wayne Beese