An alleged rapist has been remanded in custody.

Samuel Crabtree is accused of rape, committing an offence with the intention of committing a sexual offence and sexual assault following the incident in Chatham at around 2.40am on Sunday.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, was approached by a man while walking through a subway between Dock Road and Melville Court in the direction of Brompton.

Crabtree was arrested later that day and was set to appear at Medway Magistrates' Court yesterday morning for an initial hearing but the case was delayed after he suffered a medical episode.

His case was dealt with later in the day.

The 30-year-old, of Cecil Road, Rochester, and formerly of Maidstone, has now been remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday, August 14.

The incident is being investigated by detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate who are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward, as well as anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage of Dock Road from 1.30am onwards.

Anyone with information should call 01634 792209 quoting reference 46/135082/19. Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or completing the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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