Bridport Man Charged Over 2 Assaults

Detectives investigating alleged assaults upon two unconnected women in the west of Dorset are appealing for witnesses and further potential victims to come forward – with one man having been arrested and charged.

The first incident took place at about 7.20pm on Thursday 15 December 2011. Police received a report that a 33-year-old Dorchester woman had been assaulted while walking alone in the alleyway between Farfrae Crescent and Armada Way, Dorchester.

At around 5.30pm on Wednesday 22 February 2012, officers received a report that a 37-year-old Bridport woman had been assaulted at Langdon Woods Car Park in Bridport. 

On Friday 24 February 2012 an 18-year-old Bridport man, Stefan William Fry, was arrested and charged with two counts of possessing an offensive weapon and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He appeared at Bournemouth Magistrates Court on Saturday 25 February 2012 where he was remanded in custody until Thursday 1 March 2012.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Paul Powley said: 

“Dorset Police has worked intensively to investigate these offences and as a consequence we were able to expedite the arrest of a man and present evidence of both cases to the Crown Prosecution Service who authorised the charges.

“Approaches to, and assaults on, lone women are very rare. Thanks to the ongoing work of Dorset Police, partners and local communities, violent crime in Dorset is reducing further as we continue to strive to make Dorset safer, and feel safer.

“I urge anybody who has information on the two incidents, and who has not spoken with police yet, to contact us urgently.

“Also, I would encourage anyone who has been approached by a young man in suspicious circumstances in areas in or around Bridport and Dorchester but has not reported the matter, to contact Dorset Police as soon as possible.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 22:323. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.