Police charge man with multiple counts of rape

Wayne Smart, 55 and of no fixed abode, has been charged with six counts of rape, one count of sexual assault by penetration and actual bodily harm. 

The charge relates to an incident which took place in a hotel in Woodchester yesterday (13 October).

He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (15 October).

Officers would still like to hear from anyone with additional information which could help the investigation.

Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Detective Sergeant Faye Satchwell-Bennett said: "We wish to reassure the community of Stroud that we are investigating this incident fully and we are not looking for anybody else in connection with these crimes. We again would ask that anyone with information to please come forward, or alternatively speak to our partnership agency the Nelson Trust in Stroud or Gloucester.”

Anybody with information can contact Gloucestershire Constabulary through the website, quoting incident 168 of 13 October: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-that-has-already-been-reported/

You can also contact the Nelson Trust through their website: https://nelsontrust.com/contact/