Wellington North man charged with sexual assault of a minor

WELLINGTON NORTH – A local man has been charged with sexual assault of a minor in connection with an incident here this summer.

Wellington County OPP officials announced the charges on Sept. 23, following an investigation involving the local Crime Unit into an incident that occurred in July involving a teenaged victim.

David Ratcliffe, 59, of Wellington North, is charged with sexual assault on a person under 16 and sexual interference.

He is to appear in Guelph court at a future date.

“Victims of sexual assault are not alone,” police stated in a press release.

“If you need support or know someone that does, there are local resources available to help.”

Police note female victims can call 1-866-863-0511 or visit the Assaulted Women’s Helpline website.

Male survivors of sexual assault can call 1-866-887-0015.

The information will remain anonymous and confidential, police add, noting anyone in an immediate crisis can dial 9-1-1.