Operation Sanctuary: 13th man charged

A man has been charged as part of Operation Sanctuary, the long-running investigation into allegations of the sexual exploitation of women and girls across Tyneside. Christopher Dale, 28, of Haig Crescent, Scotswood, Newcastle, has been charged with common assault.

The charge is in relation to an incident that happened on Friday, May 9, in Newcastle. He appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Monday, May 12, where he was remanded to appear again on May 19. This brings the total number of charges under Operation Sanctuary to 13.

In total, 86 people have been arrested as part of the opeation.