A fitness coach raped a teen with help from his supportive partner.
James Owen and his girlfriend Ellen Rae have been found guilty of sex offences in relation to assaults on an 18-year-old woman in Salisbury.
55-year-old Owen was convicted of rape, two counts of sexual assault and conspiracy to commit sexual assault following a trial at Winchester Crown Court.
The defendant appeared jointly with 51-year-old Rae, who was also found guilty of sexual assault and conspiracy to commit sexual assault.
During the trial, which ended today (Thursday), the court heard how Owen, who was working as a sports coach at the time, sexually assaulted the victim during physical training sessions which took place at his home between January and February 2021.
And on another occasion, in February the same year, he raped the same woman in a hot tub at his home – while Rae was present.
Wiltshire Police 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.”
Owen has been remanded in custody to await sentencing and Rae has been bailed. Both are due to be sentenced on 16 August at Salisbury Crown Court.
