Rape suspect arrested after Crimewatch plea

The show aired a reconstruction of the rape that occurred on the Trans Pennine Trail near Elsecar Reservoir in June this year.

Police received more than 40 calls following last Tuesday’s programme and on Saturday a 47-year-old Rawmarsh man was charged with the assault.

A police spokeswoman said: “David Brian Thompson from the Rawmarsh area appeared at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court on Saturday charged with the rape of a female.

“In addition he faced two charges of assault by penetration in relation to the same incident.

“The suspect was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday.”

At around noon on Thursday, 24 June, a 50-year-old woman was walking her dog on a secluded path on the Trans Pennine Trail near to Elsecar Reservoir, when a male approached her and raped her.  

The victim was left badly traumatised and shocked but managed to co-operate with Crimewatch for the reconstruction.

Detective Chief Inspector Sean Middleton of South Yorkshire Police said: “We were delighted with the outcome of the Crimewatch appeal and would like to thank the public for taking the time to call.

“We received an excess of 40 calls, the highest number of calls received out of all the appeals on the show that night.”