Overview
- The alleged assault occurred on 22 August when a woman in her 20s says a man approached her on Macklin Street in Covent Garden and dragged her into a doorway before she escaped.
- Police arrested and charged 22-year-old Christopher Rocha of Westminster with rape and intentional strangulation following their investigation.
- Rocha appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 12 September, was remanded in custody, and is due to face proceedings at Wood Green Crown Court on 9 October.
- The Metropolitan Police confirmed the charge and said the matter remains an active criminal case while the allegations are tested in court.
- The case highlights safety concerns in central London and will be watched for its procedural steps toward a crown court trial and any police actions that follow.