Sports coach found guilty of raping teenager

A sports coach was found guilty of raping an 18-year-old woman in his home in the presence of his partner.

James Owen, 55, from Salisbury, was found guilty of rape, two counts of sexual assault and conspiracy to commit sexual assault in a trial at Winchester Crown Court.

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

Owen was remanded in custody and Rae was released on bail ahead of sentencing at Salisbury Crown Court on August 16.

“Lured into his home”

During a nine-day trial, the court heard how Owen sexually abused the teenager during physical training sessions at his home between January and February 2021.

On another occasion in February of the same year, he raped the teenager in a hot tub at his home while Rae was present.

“James Owen used his position as a fitness instructor to exploit a vulnerable teenage girl by touching her intimately under the pretense of physical exercise. This occurred over a number of weeks and culminated in an incident where he lured the victim to his home address under false pretenses, gave her alcohol and later raped her in the presence of his partner Ellen Rae,” said Det. Con Martyn Powell.

“Rae played a key role in supporting Mr Owen and preparing the victim in advance of this incident.

“It takes great courage to report incidents like this to anyone, let alone the police. In this case, the victim showed great courage by taking the matter to trial for over three years.”

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