Man charged with two counts of attempted rape and possession of an offensive weapon in Swansea

A man has been arrested in Swansea and charged with a number of sexual offences and possession of an offensive weapon. Leo Payne, aged 20, from Swansea, is charged with two attempted rapes, exposure, attempted grievous bodily harm, sexual assault by penetration and possession of an offensive weapon.

The incidents allegedly occurred in Swansea city centre in the early hours of Sunday 23 June. Payne appeared at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 25 June, where he was remanded in custody.

South Wales Police said they wanted to reassure the public that such incidents would always be dealt with vigorously by the police. Join our WhatsApp messaging community here to receive the latest breaking news. It said that investigations were ongoing and “we would like to locate and speak to a woman who had a conversation with a man while walking alone on Mariner Street in Swansea, near the train station, at around 6.15am on Sunday 23 June.”

“We would also like to contact anyone who may have witnessed this incident or knows the identity of the woman involved. They should contact the SWP quoting police incident number 2400207185.”

Police had previously launched an appeal to find a man after the incidents were reported. They said the alleged incidents are believed to have occurred at 4.52am in Brynmill and at 5am in the town centre.