Couple jailed for rape and abuse of 18-year-old woman

James Owen was jailed for eight years and his partner Ellen Rea for two years

A couple have been jailed for raping and sexually abusing an 18-year-old woman.

James Owen, 55 and his partner Ellen Rea, 52, groomed the teenager over a number of weeks in 2021 and carried out the assault after inviting her to their home in Salisbury.

Owen was convicted of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and conspiracy to commit sexual assault, while Rea was found guilty of sexual assault and conspiracy to commit sexual assault following a trial in May.

During sentencing at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, Owen was jailed for eight years and Rea for two years.

The court was told how the couple had exchanged text messages outlining their intentions.

Owen, a personal trainer, first sexually assaulted the woman between January and February 2021 under the guise of training sessions.

The couple further conspired to sexually assault her, inviting the woman to their home for dinner on 6 February 2021 where they gave her alcohol.

They persuaded her to join them in a hot tub before Owen raped her and Rea sexually assaulted her, the court was told.

'Horrendous actions'

Det Con Martyn Powell, of Wiltshire Police, 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.”