Four men charged after teen rape investigation

Four men have been charged with multiple sex offences after three teenage girls were allegedly raped.

William Smith, 22, of Farnsby Street, faces three counts of rape, drug offences and child sex offences, while Zak Hanman, 20, of Windsor Road, is charged with two counts of sexual assault by penetration and false imprisonment.

Lewis Wheeler, 26, of Berton Close, faces two counts of rape, while Mason Tomkins, 20, of Walter Close, is charged with sexual assault and sexual activity with a child. All men are from Swindon.

It comes after Wiltshire Police were called to reports of attacks on the teenage girls under 16 a property in Ratcoombe Road in Swindon on 31 May last year.

The investigation was later widened to include further incidents in February and March last year.

Wheeler, Smith and Hanman are all charged with an offence involving the supply of class B drugs with intent to commit a sexual offence.

Hanman is charged with two other counts of sexual assault, as well as arranging or facilitating a child sex offence, and sending a photograph or film of genitals.

Smith also faces charges of administering a substance with intent to stupefy or overpower, arranging or facilitating a child sex offence, and possession of class B drugs.

DC James Pugh said the charges were "a significant development" in the investigation.

He added: "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, said Pugh, urging people not to speculate "and to allow the criminal justice process to take its course".

All four men have been bailed to appear before Swindon Magistrates' Court on 8 and 9 December.

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