Merseyside private hire driver charged with two counts of sexual assault

Merseyside Police have charged a man working as a private hire driver with two counts of sexual assault.

In the early hours of Monday 1 August, a woman in her 20s reported that she had been assaulted while in a private hire vehicle in the Knowsley area.

Lucel Tugui, 33, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault. Tugui was remanded into custody to appear at Wirral adult remand court on Wednesday 3 August.

Paul Parry, Merseyside Detective Chief Inspector, said: “Merseyside Police takes every report of sexual offences extremely seriously and has dedicated officers within the force’s Unity Team who are specially trained to both thoroughly investigate allegations of serious sexual assaults and make sure that those reporting them are properly supported.

"I would like to take this opportunity to reassure anyone who has suffered a sexual offence that if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us, we will deal with you sensitively and make sure that reports are properly and thoroughly investigated. "Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence can call officers in the force’s Unity Team on 0151 777 1382 or 101. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers, anonymously and free, on 0800 555 111. "Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801."