Four teenagers have been charged with rape and false imprisonment following an investigation by Avon and Somerset Police into a serious sexual assault in Weston-Super-Mare. The charges come after a woman was allegedly threatened, raped, and held captive at a property on Sunday, June 21.
Details of the Charges
Tommy Campbell, 19, from Weston-Super-Mare, faces six counts of rape, one count of sexual assault, one count of false imprisonment, and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm. Rio Welling, 18, also from Weston-Super-Mare, has been charged with two counts of rape and one count of false imprisonment.
Two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to their age, have also been charged. One faces three counts of rape, one count of false imprisonment, and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm. The other has been charged with one count of rape and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.
Investigation and Arrests
All four were arrested and charged following a specialist investigation by Avon and Somerset Police. They were remanded in custody and are due to appear at Taunton Magistrates' Court on July 11. Detective Inspector Natalie Thatcher said: "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."
Victim Support
Thatcher added: "The victim has been updated by specially trained officers who will continue to provide her with as much support as she needs." Police acknowledged that coordinated pre-planned arrest attempts across Weston and Worle on Thursday caused local concern, but emphasized the need for transparency. Thatcher stated: "We would like to thank people for their patience while those enquiries were carried out."
