Man charged over 1980 rape and abduction

7 April 2010, 16:27 | Updated: 8 April 2010, 16:29

An Oxfordshire man's been charged with abducting and raping a 15 year old girl thirty years ago, after new forensic evidence came to light.

Ronald Cheshire, who's from the Thame area, is also charged with trying to kidnap another 15 year old in Maidenhead, Berkshire, in May 1980.

He was arrested on Wednesday 7 April 2010 and appeared before magistrates in Slough on Thursday 8 April.  He is due to appear in court again in Reading in July.

Police say two 15 year old girls were walking along Switchback Road North, Maidenhead, when they were approached by a man who tried to force both of them into his car.  One escaped, but the other was taken away and raped.

Detective Superintendent Barry Halliday, Head of the Major Crime Review Team (MCRT), who are looking back at old cases, said: "Thames Valley Police is committed to the careful review and re-investigation of unsolved historic serious sexual assault and homicide cases.

"A dedicated team of experts analyse and assess the cases, applying, where appropriate, new police powers and advances in technology and forensic science.

"This group of officers from the MCRT, together with our partners, remain dedicated in our commitment for ensuring the very highest of standards of investigation are maintained in seeking justice for victims.

"Our neighbourhoods need to be assured that Thames Valley Police examine all such unsolved crimes and this latest case is one of a significant number of cases being developed."