A Cheltenham man has been formally charged with sexually assaulting a teenage boy aboard a local bus. James Mark Minshull, aged 40, appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court facing one count of sexually assaulting a boy under 16, as well as breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The incident occurred on the evening of Saturday 15 August at approximately 6:50pm while the number 41 bus was stationary on Tewkesbury Road. The bus route runs between Cheltenham and Northway, passing through Coombe Hill and Tewkesbury.
Following reports from witnesses, police promptly attended the scene and arrested a man related to the offence. An investigation led by Gloucestershire Police’s Child Exploitation Team subsequently confirmed the charges against Minshull.
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Minshull was remanded in custody and is scheduled to next appear in court on 14 September. In the meantime, Gloucestershire Police are appealing for any additional witnesses who were on the 41 bus at the time and have not yet spoken to officers to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police online by completing the relevant form and quoting occurrence number 53260070619. This will assist authorities in progressing their inquiries and ensuring the safety of the community.