Man Charged

Kent police say a man has been charged with raping a teenage girl in Tunbridge Wells last weekend.

Rocco Minafra, who's 46, of Judd Road in Tonbridge was arrested on Monday.

Detectives have now charged him with rape and three counts related to sexual assault. He was also charged with making threats to kill.

The suspect appeared before Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 23 October and he was remanded in custody.

His next hearing will be at Maidstone Crown Court on 21 November.

The assault is said to have happened between 8pm and 9pm on Saturday 18 October 2025, near to Mount Ephraim and the junction of Molyneux Park Road.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for information which may assist the investigation.

They are particularly keen to speak to the occupants of a vehicle, believed to be a white car, who are reported to have shouted in the direction of the victim and the suspect, who was walking with a bike. This was between 8pm and 9pm.

If you can help call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/180747/25.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by using the online form.

 

More from WEST KENT NEWS

  • Dissent at KCC

    At least five Reform Kent County Councillors have reportedly lodged complaints about their leadership with the party's head office.

  • Houses on Green Belt

    Vast house building plans are being laid out to increase the population of the Borough of Tonbridge and Malling by one third in the next 17 years.

  • KCC Leader Plea for Support

    The Reform UK leader of Kent County Council, Linden Kemkaren, has called on her own councillors to sign a message of support.

  • Reform UK Suspends 4 Councillors

    A day of drama at County Hall has seen Kent County Council's Reform UK leader declare “business as usual” despite the suspension of four colleagues.

  • Reform UK Video Leak

    The Reform UK leader of Kent County Council has described her own councillors who leaked a recording of an internal online meeting as "cowards".

  • St Mark's Field: Developer's Plans

    The developer Esquire has submitted a planning application to reclassify St Mark's recreation ground as a "Biodiversity Enhancement area."

  • Sevenoaks Council Leader Defeated

    The Conservative leader of Sevenoaks District Council has lost a vote of "no confidence" tabled by former party colleagues.

  • Weald of Kent Success

    The Weald of Kent Grammar School has been recognised as one of the safest schools in England in a national survey of parents.

On Air Now Through The Night 1:00am - 7:00am
Now Playing
You Give Love A Bad Name Bon Jovi
Recently Played
  • Stand And Deliver Adam & The Ants 3:02
  • News West Kent Radio 2:59
  • True Colours Cyndi Lauper 2:56

COMING UP

  • Brian Johnson

    7:00am - 10:00am

    West Kent Breakfast sponsored by Berry & Lamberts

  • Mid Morning Golden Greats

    10:00am - Noon

    Hits from the 60's to 90's