Man charged with rape of boy, 12 in Darwen

5:44pm Friday 16th May 2008

A MAN is due to appear in court tomorrow charged with the rape of a 12-year-old boy.

Craig Joseph Bennett, aka Preece, 44, of no fixed abode, was arrested in Church Terrace, Darwen, on Thursday.

He was this afternoon charged with two counts of rape, kidnap with intent to rape and threats to kill.

He is in police custody and will appear before Blackburn magistrates tomorrow morning.

Police said the youngster had been playing in the Sudellside area of Darwen on Wednesday night when he was approached by a man who offered him cash to help him look for a lost dog.

Police said they then walked to woods off Marsh House Lane, known locally as Bailie's Field, where the boy was raped in an attack that could have lasted as long as two hours.

The 12-year-old has been left deeply distressed and traumatised but police said he has been able to provide them with 'useful information' about what happened to him.

A police incident room was set up on Thursday and 60 officers were working on the case.