Kent Police are urging a potential witness to a sexual assault in Gillingham to come forward, as detectives seek vital information to aid their investigation.
The incident occurred during the early hours of Saturday, February 3, 2024, when the victim, having left a nightclub in Railway Street, Chatham, entered what she believed to be a taxi—a blue convertible Mercedes. However, she was allegedly assaulted by the driver before the car stopped outside a kebab shop in Watling Street, Gillingham, near the junction with Holmside. The suspect reportedly prevented the victim from leaving the vehicle before driving away. The ordeal continued until the car eventually stopped at the victim’s home, where she managed to escape.
Detectives are now appealing for information from a potential witness who was in the vicinity at the time of the incident. The individual, described as a man wearing high-visibility clothing, was seen walking by the car as it stopped on Watling Street around 4 a.m. Investigators believe he may have witnessed the events unfolding and are urging him to come forward with any information he may have.
Detective Constable Kelly Hui emphasized the importance of this potential witness in shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the assault. We are appealing to anyone who may have seen a man approaching women in Chatham, or who was later seen acting suspiciously in Gillingham,” stated DC Hui.
The suspect, a 25-year-old man from Chatham, was arrested on Tuesday, February 6, and has been charged with three counts of sexual assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and false imprisonment. He is currently remanded in custody pending a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on March 4.
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is urged to contact Kent Police on 01474 366149, quoting reference 46/XY/10998/24. Alternatively, individuals can provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or completing the online form.
