Suspected rapist Joseph McCann charged with Watford attack and London offences

Undated handout file photo issued by Metropolitan Police of Joseph McCann, 34. Credit: Metropolitan Police/PA

Joseph McCann has been charged with the kidnap and rape of a woman in Watford and a number of other offences.

The 34-year-old from Aylesbury was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday accused of the attack in Waford.

The charges have been brought in connection with a series of offences committed between 21 April and 6 May.

The following charges have now been made:

  • Hertfordshire - One count of kidnap and one count of rape

  • London - Two counts of kidnap; four counts of rape, one count of false imprisonment, two counts of causing a female 13 or over to engage in a non-penetrative sexual activity and one count of assaulting a female 13 and over by penetration with part of body/a thing.

He will next appear via video link at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Officers from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command continue to investigate.

A file remains with the Crown Prosecution Service in relation to further alleged offences.

McCann was arrested near Congleton in Cheshire on Sunday.