Man remanded in custody in connection with rape in Worthing

Police were called to Chapel Road, Worthing, at about 9pm on Tuesday, August 8 after a report of rape near the Guildbourne Centre.

A 53-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape.

The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has been receiving support from specially-trained officers.

Police from the Safeguarding Investigations Unit launched an investigation, and Richard Dawkins, 53, of Northbrook Road, Broadwater, was charged with the rape of a man.

Dawkins appeared before Crawley Magistrates’ Court to answer the charge on Thursday, August 10, and was remanded in custody.

He is next due to appear before Lewes Crown Court on September 7.

Sussex Police officers have asked the public not to speculate about the incident on social media, as this risks causing prejudice to the ongoing legal proceedings.