Man to face trial over rape, sex abuse, kidnap and drugs charges over 40 years

Duncan Edwards, 62, previously lived in Farnworth, was charged with 26 offences including rape, voyeurism and procuring sex by threat or intimidation back in July.

Police say this came about after a separate investigation into an alleged assault in Colchester, Essex back in 2014.

Officers investigated additional reports and on Tuesday, September 9 Edwards, formerly known as Duncan Diggle, was charged with a further count of rape and two counts of indecent assault.

Detective Inspector Lydia George, of Essex Police, said: “We’re working at substantial pace through all the information which has been reported to us, and I would continue to urge anyone with any information to contact us via the Major Incident Public Portal and the investigation team will provide you with any specialist support required.”

Duncan Edwards, formerly Diggle, is expected to appear before Chelmsford Magistrates CourtDuncan Edwards, formerly Diggle, is expected to appear before Chelmsford Magistrates Court (Image: Essex Police) Edwards, of Swan Grove in Chappel, Colchester, now faces a total of 29 charges.

On July 31 this year, he was charged with 12 counts of rape and six counts of causing actual bodily harm.

He was also charged with three counts of causing a female over age of 13 to engage in penetrative sexual activity.

Edwards was also charged with one count of procuring sex by threat or intimidation, one count of voyeurism, one count of kidnap.

Finally in July he was charged with one count of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and one count of being concerned in the supply of heroin.

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He was charged with the further three counts, one of rape and two of indecent assault, this week.

Edwards is now expected to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Friday September 12.

Anyone with any further information can call police on 101 or make submissions by going to “Op Norwich” under Essex Police on mipp.police.uk.

Members of the public can also call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source – INDIA TV