Four teenagers charged after woman raped and imprisoned in Somerset
Four teenagers have been charged with multiple counts of rape, false imprisonment, and assault after a woman was attacked in a house in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. The incident occurred on June 21, and the suspects were arrested and charged on July 9, following an investigation by Avon and Somerset Police.
The four males appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court on July 11. Tommy Campbell, 19, and Rio Welling, 18, both from Weston-super-Mare, are due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on August 10. Two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be named due to their age, will appear at Taunton Magistrates' Court on July 13.
Details of charges
Campbell faces six counts of rape, one count of sexual assault, one count of false imprisonment, and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm. Welling has been charged with two counts of rape and one count of false imprisonment. One 17-year-old has been charged with three counts of rape, one count of false imprisonment, and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm. The second 17-year-old faces one count of rape and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.
None of the four have entered a plea. Campbell and the two 17-year-olds have been remanded in custody, while Welling has been released on conditional court bail.
Police statement and victim support
The victim is being supported by specially trained officers, who will continue to provide her with as much support as she requires, Avon and Somerset Police said. Detective Inspector Natalie Thatcher stated: "Our investigation into this incredibly serious incident has been taking place over the past few weeks, and the charges authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service are a significant milestone."
Thatcher added: "We are aware the coordinated planned arrest attempts across Weston and Worle on Thursday did cause some local concern, which is why we wanted to be transparent around why they were necessary. We would like to thank people for their patience while those inquiries were carried out."
