SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATIONS 26-104565 26-81817

SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATIONS
London man facing charges 

LONDON, 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.

On August 17, 2026, a woman was in an alleyway in the 200- block of Dundas Street when she was approached by an acquaintance and sexually assaulted.

In early October, 2026, the suspect male met with the victim again in the 500-block of Richmond Street where he sexually assaulted her.

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, at approximately 12:15 a.m., a woman was outside a business in the 500-block of Dundas Street when she was approached by a man unknown to her.

The two engaged in conversation and walked together toward the 500-block of Queens Avenue.

While in an isolated area on Queens Avenue, the man produced a weapon and sexually assaulted the woman before leaving the area. The victim contacted police and officers searched the area but did not locate the suspect.

A description of the suspect was provided to investigators. With the assistance of video surveillance obtained from businesses in the area, police identified the suspect male.

The suspect was arrested. Investigators determined that he was also responsible for the previous incidents.

As a result of the investigations, Matthew David Coveney, 49, of London, has been charged with the following offences:

• Two counts of sexual assault;
• Sexual assault with a weapon; and
• Obtaining sexual services for consideration.

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to re-appear in London court today in relation to the charges.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. As a result, photographs of the accused are being released.

The London Police Service remains committed to a trauma-informed, victim-centred approach to investigations. We recognize that coming forward to report sexual violence can be difficult, and we are committed to ensuring those affected are treated with dignity, respect and compassion. This is consistent with language used in previous LPS communications seeking additional victims.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, support is available. Confidential assistance can be accessed at any time. For more information and links to local support agencies, please visit the London Police Service Sexual Assault FAQs

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670.

For media inquiries, contact:

Media Relations Officer
C. 519-661-5410
Email. Media Officer

26-104565 26-81817