Braintree man jailed for 15 years for rape and sexual assault
Paul Gellen attacked the same woman after nights out
Last updated 14th Oct 2022
A Braintree man who sexually assaulted a woman multiple times after nights out has been jailed for 15 years.
43 year old Paul Gellen, of Goldingham Drive, was convicted of charges of rape, sexual assault and assault by penetration at Chelsmford Crown Court, where he was sentenced yesterday (October 13).
The assaults took place in December 2019 and March 2020 following nights out, as he was giving the victim a lift home.
On both occasions the victim had no recollection of what happened and only found out when she was told by Gellen.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Liv Howells, of Essex Police, said: “Paul Gellen preyed on the victim’s vulnerability, taking advantage of her for his own sexual gratification."
“The absence of someone saying ‘no’ is not the same as them saying ‘yes’.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of consent and no sexual activity should take place without it.
“If either party says ‘no’ or is not in a position to say ‘yes’, then stop.
“I want to praise the victim for her courage. She has been through an unimaginable ordeal but has shown great dignity."