He is due to appear in court
07:00, 02 Oct 2026Updated 07:04, 02 Oct 2026
Police say the car travelled from Wigan to St Helens(Image: Merseyside Police)
A man has been charged with kidnap and a string of sex offences after a woman was allegedly raped in a car. Merseyside Police says it received a report that a woman got into a car she believed was a taxi with a group of her friends in Wigan at around 1am on Sunday, September 27.
The car travelled from Wigan to St Helens town centre, where the offence is alleged to have taken place. James Paterson, 30, of Inglewhite Road, Longridge, has been charged with two counts of rape, sexual assault, kidnap and assault.
He has been remanded into custody ahead of his next court hearing on Wednesday, October 28, at Liverpool Crown Court. Merseyside Police says its investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information, or reports of similar incidents, is being asked to come forward.
Click here to hear the latest from Manchester’s courts in our newsletter
Detective Inspector Jamie Heston, of Merseyside Police, said: “Although a man has been charged our investigation is ongoing and we are appealing to anyone with more information on what happened on that night or regarding similar incidents to come forward.
“If you have any information, please let us know as we continue with our enquiries. Any information could be vital to our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police through X or Facebook @MerPolCC, online here or by calling 101, quoting incident reference 26000793391. Details can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
Where to go if you’ve been affected by rape or sexual assault
– Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live, or have been sexually assaulted, within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
– Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
– We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182 for help.
– Always call 999 in an emergency