An asylum seeker has been charged over a ‘stranger rape’ in Swindon town centre.
Alazar Gbrhiwot is accused of launching a sex attack on an intoxicated young woman at his address in Faringdon Road on 22 May.
It’s alleged the 37-year-old was not known to the complainant, who reported being raped.
The man was arrested, questioned and subsequently charged with rape, assault by penetration and engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity without consent.
Gbrhiwot appeared before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 12 June, where he was remanded in custody until his next hearing.
He’s due to appear at Swindon Crown Court next month for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
Alleged victims of sexual crimes have the right to lifelong anonymity. It is an imprisonable criminal offence to share any piece of information that could lead to their identification.
