Man charged with attempted rape and 'reckless trespass' after house broken into in Drayton

A man has been charged with attempted rape after a house was broken into.

Sam Welton, 31, of no fixed abode, is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court this morning (June 20). He has been charged with attempting to rape a woman, and “knowingly or recklessly trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence”.

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Police were called to an address in Copsey Close, Drayton, at roughly 4.30am on June 19 after a male had broken into the property.

Issuing a statement on Facebook, Portsmouth Police said: “It was alleged that he threatened people within the property, who were able to escape to a neighbour’s address. Officers attended and located a man in the address, who was arrested and taken into custody.

“An investigation has been launched and as part of our enquiries, Sam Welton, 31, of no fixed abode has been charged with attempt to rape a woman, and knowingly or recklessly trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence.”

Welton has been remanded in custody ahead of his court appearance.