Man Charged with Sexual Assaults in Oakham, Including Incident at Council Offices
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A man has appeared in court charged with the sexual assault of three women in Oakham, one of which reportedly occurred at the Rutland County Council offices.
Benedict Azam, 34, of no fixed address, faced three counts of sexual assault when he appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Thursday, August 22. The charges relate to a series of incidents reported to Leicestershire Police earlier this week.
The first report was made on Sunday evening, August 17. A woman walking her dog on Burley Road, Oakham, reported being sexually assaulted by a man at approximately 8.30pm.
The following day, Monday, August 18, two more reports were made within minutes of each other. At 12pm, a woman at the Rutland County Council Offices on Catmos Street reported being approached and sexually assaulted. In response to this incident and to ensure the safety of all staff, the Rutland County Council offices were closed for the remainder of the week. The council has announced that it will be re-opening on Tuesday with additional security measures, including the employment of security guards.
Shortly after the council office incident, at 12.10pm, a third woman reported being sexually assaulted on High Street, Oakham.
Benedict Azam was arrested and subsequently charged with the three counts of sexual assault. He appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on August 20, where he was remanded into custody. He did not enter a plea.
Azam is scheduled to appear next at Leicester Crown Court on October 6.
On social media, Azam has reportedly described himself as the "Glorious Leader" and has been noted to have traveled around the country for a number of years.
Azam was often seen sitting outside Morrison's Daily in Oakham.
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