Salisbury couple convicted of sexually assaulting teenager

55 year old James Owen and 51 year old Ellen Rae will be sentenced in August

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 24th May 2024
Last updated 24th May 2024

A Salisbury couple have been convicted for their parts in the serious sexual assault of an 18 year old woman.

55 year old James Owen has been found guilty by a majority verdict at Winchester Crown Court of rape, two counts of sexual assault and conspiracy to commit sexual assault.

His partner, 51 year old Ellen Rae, has also been found guilty of sexual assault and conspiracy to commit sexual assault.

The trial heard Owen was working as a sports coach when he sexually assaulted the victim during physical training sessions at his home in January and February 2021.

He also raped the same woman, in a hot tub, while Rae was present.

Detective Constable Martyn Powell said:

“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.

“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."

The pair will be sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court on Friday 16th August.

Owen has been remanded in custody, while Rae has been bailed.

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