An 18-year-old accused of assaulting two teenage girls has appeared in court. 

Kayden Williams, of Don Close, Tilehurst, was charged with wounding with intent and assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an incident in Southcote in the evening afternoon of August 4, 2022. 

He is alleged to have committed the first offence against a 15-year-old girl, and the second offence against a 16-year-old girl. 

The 18-year-old has not yet indicated a plea.

Williams was charged in connection with a ‘linked incident’ on Pierces Hill, Tilehurst, when 19-year-old Sheldon Lewcock was hit by a van. 

A 17-year-old boy was subsequently charged with the attempted murder of Sheldon, before he then passed away in hospital on August 9. 

Thames Valley Police launched a murder investigation but then dropped the probe and released the 17-year-old without charge. 

Barrister Jon Sank, who appeared in Williams’s hearing, said the 17-year-old’s case was now being investigated by the Joint Operations Roads Policing Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

Questioned about possible charges being brought against the 17-year-old by Her Honour Judge Campbell, Mr Sank said any accusations would be tried separately to Williams, should they be brought. 

Williams appeared at Reading Crown Court unrepresented as his solicitor is out of the country. 

He spoke only to confirm his name was bailed following a 15-minute hearing on Wednesday, August 24. 

A provisional trial date for Williams’s case has been set for February 20, 2023.