A man has been charged with stalking and sexual assault offences following a series of incidents against a 19-year-old woman in Southampton.

It was reported to police that on Sunday (9 February), a man had entered the woman’s place of work in the Woolston area of the city and touched her inappropriately over her clothing.

The woman reported that the man, who was previously unknown to her, had been repeatedly coming to her place of work since July 2024 and making comments towards her that made her uncomfortable, as well as trying to give her unwanted gifts.

Officers attended and arrested the man, who was found in possession of a knife.

Craig Wesley Mintram, 43, of Weston Lane, has now been charged with sexual assault, possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place and stalking. He was remanded into custody and appeared at Southampton Magistrates Court today (Tuesday 11 February). He will next appear at Southampton Crown Court on Tuesday 11 March.

Violence against women and girls of any kind is a priority for us and we take all reports of these offences incredibly seriously.

For more information about the work we are doing, and for advice and support if you have been the victim of domestic violence, stalking, harassment, rape or sexual assault please visit: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/police-forces/hampshire-constabulary/areas/campaigns/2022/violence-against-women-and-girls/