Couple jailed for raping and sexually abusing 18-year-old woman

Saturday, 17 August 2024 06:05

A personal trainer and his partner have been jailed for the sexual assault and rape of an 18-year-old woman.

Winchester Crown Court heard how James Owen, 55 and his partner Ellen Rea, 52, had groomed the teenager over several weeks - exchanging text messages outlining their intentions.

Owen first sexually assaulted the teenager under the guise of training sessions between January and February 2021.

The court heard how the couple further conspired to sexually assault her - inviting the young woman to their home in Salisbury for dinner on 6 February 2021, where they plied her with alcohol.

They persuaded her to join them in a hot tub before Owen raped her and Rea sexually assaulted her.

After a nine-day trial today (16/08), Owen was convicted of rape, two counts of sexual assault and conspiracy to commit sexual assault.

His partner, Rea, was found guilty of sexual assault and conspiracy to commit sexual assault.

James Owen was sentenced to eight years in custody, and Rea was sentenced to two years.

Detective Constable Martyn Powell said: “James Owen and Ellen Rea conspired to abuse the trust of a young woman. Their horrendous actions were fuelled by their own selfish desires, without for a moment considering the long-lasting consequences that this abuse would have on their victim.

“I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of the young woman who worked with us to help bring these two offenders to justice and hope that she is able to find some solace in the lengthy custodial sentences that have been handed down today.”

Support and information is available to victims of sexual abuse on the Wiltshire Police website and can be found here.

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