James Owen, 55, and Ellen Rae, 51, have been found guilty in relation to the sexual assault of an 18-year-old woman. Both were convicted by a majority verdict at Winchester Crown Court today.
James Owen Convicted:
- Charges: Rape, two counts of sexual assault, conspiracy to commit sexual assault.
- Details: Owen, who was working as a sports coach, sexually assaulted the woman during physical training sessions at his home between January and February 2021. He also raped her in a hot tub at his home in February 2021, while his partner Ellen Rae was present.
Ellen Rae Convicted:
- Charges: Sexual assault, conspiracy to commit sexual assault.
- Role: Rae played a key role in assisting Owen, and grooming the victim in the lead-up to the incidents.
Detective Constable Martyn Powell commented on the case, saying: “James Owen used his position as a fitness coach to exploit a vulnerable teenage girl, by intimately touching her under the guise of exercising. This took place over a few weeks leading up to an incident where he lured the victim to his home address under false pretences, providing her with alcohol and later raping her in the presence of his partner Ellen Rae. Rae played a key role in assisting Mr Owen, grooming the victim in the lead-up to this incident.”
He praised the victim’s bravery, adding, “It takes great bravery to report incidents such as this to anyone, let alone the police. In this case, the victim showed great courage in seeing this through over three years until trial.
Next Steps:
- Sentencing: Both Owen and Rae are due to be sentenced on 16 August at Salisbury Crown Court.
- Custody Status: Owen has been remanded in custody, while Rae has been bailed.
