London Man, 49, Charged After Downtown Sexual Assaults; Police Seek More Victims
London police have charged a 49-year-old London man in sexual assaults reported in the downtown core, including one police say involved a weapon.
Crime Canada newsroomPublished
The London Police Service has charged a 49-year-old London man in connection with sexual assaults that police say happened in the city's downtown core between August and October 2026. Police announced the charges on October 30, 2026, and said they believe there may be other victims who have not come forward.
What police allege
According to police, on August 17, 2026, a woman was in an alleyway in the 200 block of Dundas Street when a man she knew approached her and sexually assaulted her. Police said the same man met her again in early October 2026 in the 500 block of Richmond Street, where he sexually assaulted her.
In a separate incident, police said a woman was outside a business in the 500 block of Dundas Street at about 12:15 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, when a man she did not know approached her. Police said the two talked and walked together toward the 500 block of Queens Avenue. In an isolated area there, police allege the man produced a weapon and sexually assaulted the woman, then left. She called police, and officers searched the area but did not find the man.
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Investigators received a description and, with help from video surveillance obtained from nearby businesses, identified a man and arrested him. Police said investigators linked him to the earlier incidents.
Charges
Matthew David Coveney, 49, of London, is charged with:
- Two counts of sexual assault
- Sexual assault with a weapon
- Obtaining sexual services for consideration
Police said the accused remains in custody and was scheduled to appear again in London court on October 30, 2026. The charges have not been tested in court.
Appeal for information
Police have released photographs of the accused because investigators believe there may be additional victims. The service said it takes a trauma-informed, victim-centred approach and recognizes that reporting sexual violence can be difficult. Confidential support is available at any time.
Anyone with information is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670. The file numbers are 26-104565 and 26-81817.
Crime in London
London's Crime Severity Index was 65.95 in 2025, up 7.66% from the previous year, and its Violent Crime Severity Index was 79.59, according to Statistics Canada.
About these reports
This article is based on the official statement linked below. Charges are allegations; everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Official source: London Police Service