Wiltshire couple jailed for grooming and raping teen client

James Edward Owen, 55, conspired with Ellen Rea (formerly Oades), 52, to lull a young client "into a false sense of security" before the pair carried out an "utterly abhorrent" sexual assault on her.

The couple plied the 18-year-old with alcohol during a Valentine's-themed dinner under false pretences of discussing eating health before Owen raped and Rea sexually assaulted her in their Salisbury home on February 6, 2021.

Salisbury Crown Court heard on Friday, August 16, how the victim tried fighting Owen off using her nails and finally by biting him before he stopped raping her.

This followed weeks of planning by the couple whose text messages revealed vile discussions about sexual assaults committed against the victim prior to the rape, and their plans for further abuse.

Read more: ​Salisbury couple found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenager

The sickened victim told the court how she felt "trapped" in the hot tub, unable to move and not knowing what to do. She said: "I feel sick thinking about it.

"I felt I had to carry on as there was no one there to help me.

"When it happened I held my breath for so long I thought I was going to die."

The victim thought of Owen as a "second dad" and agreed to visit his home gym regularly during the Covid-19 lockdown as she felt "low and isolated".

These sessions soon turned "female only" as Owen would train his then-girlfriend Rea simultaneously and required the pair to wear tight shorts for his pleasure.

Ellen Rea and James Owen have been jailed. (Image: CPS)

On January 19, 2021, the night before he first sexually assaulted the victim, Owen sent a WhatsApp message to Rea which said: "I'm going to play with [the victim's] t**s tomorrow."

Rea, a former A Level chemistry teacher, responded: "I'm so glad I didn't read that while I was on the phone. Enjoy baby. Make sure you tell me all about it."

The following day Owen placed the victim in exploitative positions so that he could touch her inappropriately and 'press up against her back such that she could feel his penis against her'.

The victim told the court: "Looking back on these sessions they make me sick. I feel disappointed in myself for not saying anything or sticking up for myself.

"I look back and tell myself I should have said something. I knew it wasn’t right but I didn’t have the confidence.

"In my head I was still this little girl trying to make everyone happy."

Nadia Chbat, mitigating Owen, said the impact of the convictions had been "significant and devastating" for her client.

David Osborne, mitigating Rea, said the couple had "a somewhat alternative swinging lifestyle" and Rea's behaviour was "driven by a desire to satisfy and please Mr Owen".

Following a nine-day trial at Winchester Crown Court, Owen was convicted of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and conspiracy to commit sexual assault.

Rea, meanwhile, was found guilty of sexual assault and conspiracy to commit sexual assault.

His Honour Judge Rufus Taylor sentenced Owen to eight years' imprisonment and Rea was given two years' imprisonment.

Judge Taylor said: "[The victim] was wary but thought of you, James Owen, as a second father.

"The whole premise was that you had a second woman and Ellen Rea liked to watch.

"This is a case where appropriate punishment can only be achieved by immediate custody."

Lisa Garcia, a senior crown prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said: “The actions of Owen and Rea were utterly abhorrent.

“While masquerading as a friendly couple with noble intentions, they worked together to systematically plan and execute the rape of a young woman who trusted them.

“This abuse of trust has caused indescribable damage and we worked rigorously with detectives to ensure they were not just convicted for the physical abuse, but for their sick planning and coercion.

“We hope their convictions send a clear message that the CPS is committed to prosecuting rape cases and that we will always strive to deliver justice for victims.”