Appeal to trace key witness as man charged with attempted rape in Mansfield
Detectives investigating an attempted sexual assault in Mansfield have placed a suspect before magistrates.
Officers were called to The Park, Mansfield, around 8am on Saturday, November 15, following reports a woman had been attacked.
The victim, a woman in her 30s, was assisted by members of the public who intervened.
Officers have spoken to a number of these witnesses but are still working to trace a taxi driver who stopped and spoke to the woman following the incident.
A suspect was arrested a short time later following a search of the area.
Detectives have now charged Gareth Havard, of Cosgrove Avenue, Sutton, with attempted rape.
The 38-year-old appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court today (Monday) and was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Nottingham Crown Court on December 15.
Detective Sergeant Barry Haines, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The victim has been through a frightening ordeal and will continue to be supported by specially-trained officers.
“There will understandably be concern in the community, but thankfully incidents of this nature are extremely rare.
“I hope residents are reassured by our investigation which has seen this suspect promptly arrested, charged and placed before the courts.
“We’d like to thank those people who assisted the victim and would urge the taxi driver who stopped to help to also get in touch.”
Anyone who can assist should call 101, quoting incident 121 of November 15.