St Helens kidnap and rape: James Paterson, 30, charged with five offences

A man has been charged with kidnap and rape after a woman was allegedly assaulted inside a car in St Helens town centre. Merseyside Police continue to appeal for witnesses.

Man charged after woman allegedly kidnapped and raped in car travelling to St Helens

A 30-year-old man has been charged with kidnap and multiple sex offences after a woman was allegedly raped inside a car in St Helens town centre, the Daily Express reports.

James Paterson, of Inglewhite Road, Longridge, faces two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault, one count of kidnap and one count of assault. He was charged on Wednesday, 30 September, and has been remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, 28 October.

Merseyside Police received a report at around 1am on Sunday, 27 September, that the woman had entered the vehicle in Wigan alongside a group of friends, believing it to be a taxi. The car then travelled to St Helens town centre, where the alleged offences are said to have taken place.

Detective Inspector Jamie Heston said the investigation remains ongoing despite the charge. "Although a man has been charged our investigation is ongoing and we are appealing to anyone with more information on what happened on that night or regarding similar incidents to come forward," he said. "Any information could be vital to our investigation."

Police are urging anyone with relevant information to contact Merseyside Police via its social media desk on X or Facebook at @MerPolCC, through the force's website, or by calling 101 and quoting incident reference 26000793391. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence can call 101 to speak to specially trained officers or report incidents anonymously through the Merseyside Police website. Free specialist support is available through RASASC Cheshire and Merseyside in St Helens and Knowsley on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063, and RASA Merseyside in Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral on 0151 558 1801.

Source: Daily Express