Jimmy Saville’s former chauffeur has been charged with the historic rape of 15 victims in Greater Manchester which began in 1962.
Ray Teret, 72, of Woodlands Road, Altrincham, appeared in court on Saturday charged with 15 counts of rape and one count of attempted rape of a female under 16 and six counts of indecent assault of a female under 16.
Teret will also be charged with three counts of indecent assault of a female under 14, one count of gross indecency with a child under 13, two counts of conspiracy to rape a girl under 16, one count of possession of extreme pornography, one count of possession of prohibited images and one count of possession of an indecent image of a child.
The alleged abuse occurred between 1962 and 1996 after 15 victims reported the incidents and police believe the accusations are not linked to the national inquiry involving Saville.
Detective Chief Inspector Graham Brock said: “This has been a complex investigation that was originally launched in October 2012 when an initial complaint was made to Greater Manchester Police.
“Since that time, we have carried out extensive and wide-ranging inquiries and interviewed a number of people as part of that investigation. It has been important those inquiries were carried out thoroughly so that, in consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, we have been able to secure a number of charges.”
As part of the investigation, police also arrested William Harper, 65, of Ash Grove, Stretford, charged with conspiracy to rape a girl under 16 and attempt rape of a female under the age of 16 and Alan Ledger, 62, of Normans Place, Altrincham, charged with indecent assault of a female under 16 and aiding and abetting the rape of a female under 16.
Both will appear before Manchester City Magistrates on October 30.
DCI Graham Brock added: “It is now very important that we make no further comment and allow the correct legal process to take its course unimpeded and without prejudice.
“We will continue to support all those women who have come forward and offer them whatever welfare they need through the use of specially-trained officers.”
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