London Man Charged in Three Sexual Assaults as Police Seek More Victims
Matthew David Coveney, a 49-year-old of London, stands charged with two counts of sexual assault, one count of sexual assault with a weapon, and one count of obtaining sexual services for consideration following a series of downtown investigations, CTV News reported.
August and October Assaults in Downtown London
The charges trace back to incidents in the city’s downtown core, according to details released by the London Police Service. Investigators allege that the first incident occurred on August 17, 2026. A woman was in an alleyway located in the 200-block of Dundas Street when an acquaintance approached and sexually assaulted her.
The same victim encountered the suspect again in early October in the 500-block of Richmond Street. Police state that a second sexual assault took place during this meeting.
A separate third attack unfolded shortly after midnight on October 17, 2026. Around 12:15 a.m., a woman stood outside a business in the 500-block of Dundas Street when a stranger approached her. The two individuals conversed and walked together toward the 500-block of Queens Avenue. The man then guided the woman into an isolated area, produced a weapon, and sexually assaulted her before fleeing the scene, as detailed in reports from London Police Service.
SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATIONSLondon man facing chargesLONDON, ON (October 30, 2026) – Members of the London Police Service (LPS) Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section have charged a man in relation to three sexual assaults that occurred in the downtown core.For the full… pic.twitter.com/YqoTqIY3He
Police Arrest Coveney After Reviewing Surveillance Video
Following the October 17 attack, the victim contacted police. Officers searched the surrounding area immediately but failed to locate the suspect at that time. Investigators subsequently gathered surveillance video from nearby businesses and obtained a witness description, which enabled them to identify a suspect.
Police arrested Coveney and linked him to all three occurrences through ongoing investigative work by the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section. Authorities confirmed that the accused remains in custody. The man is scheduled to re-appear in London court on October 30, 2026, in relation to the charges, according to the London Police Service (LPS). Investigators believe additional victims may exist who have not yet come forward. As part of their continued appeal, investigators released photographs of the accused to the public.
For media inquiries, contact: Media Relations OfficerC. (519-661-5410, email). The LPS also reiterated its commitment to a trauma-informed, victim-centred approach to investigations, emphasizing that coming forward to report sexual violence can be difficult and that those affected are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Advocacy Groups Highlight Risks to Vulnerable Sex Workers
The inclusion of the charge regarding the acquisition of sexual services has drawn attention from local advocacy groups regarding the safety of vulnerable individuals in the area. Jessie Rodger, executive director of London-based domestic violence agency Anova, said the allegations reflect risks that sex workers can face.
Rodger noted that the closure of SafeSpace London in 2025—which occurred after the city opted not to continue funding the organization—removed a reporting hotline where sex workers could warn others about dangerous clients. Anova continues to operate a 24-hour crisis and support line at 519-642-3000 or 1-800-625-1576 for anyone in need of assistance.
London police urge anyone with relevant information, or individuals who believe they may have been victimized, to contact the London Police Service directly at 519-661-5670.
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