Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Tuesday 8th April 2025 at 08:10hrs
A 42-year-old man has been charged in connection with a sexual assault on a woman in Horsham on Saturday (April 5th).
Police were called to a path near Rookwood Golf Course in Robin Hood Lane at approximately 11:40 am after a member of the public came to the aid of a woman in distress.
The victim, a woman in her 20s, reported being sexually assaulted by a man around 11:30 am while she was walking her dogs.
Following an urgent search of the vicinity, officers arrested William Cooley, of Brighton Road in Crawley, nearby at 11:55 am.
The victim is currently being supported by specialist police officers.
Cooley was subsequently charged with sexual assault by penetration.
He appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Monday (April 7th) and was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear at the same court on May 6th.
Sussex Police are now appealing to the public for any information that could assist their investigation.
They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour on a train travelling from Crawley to Horsham earlier in the day, around the Horsham town centre area, or near the location of the incident in Robin Hood Lane.
Anyone with information is urged to report it online or by calling 101, quoting Operation November.
G2K INCIDENT WATCH 