Alex Owers 46

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Alex Owers, 46-years-old of Queens Road in Hull, who identifies himself as white British was found guilty of one count of intentional strangulation, two counts of suffocation, and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following a trial in August 2025.

However, a second retrial in April 2026, resulted in him also being found guilty of five counts of rape. He has now been sentenced to 21 years behind bars with an additional six years to be served on extended license, has been handed a life-long restraining order, and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life, following an appearance at Grimsby Crown Court last week (Thursday, 18 June 2026).

An investigation into Owers was first launched when we received a third-party report on Friday, 3 January 2025, that a woman had been suffocated to the point she became unresponsive whilst staying at a hotel in Tunisia. It was described to police how she had a pillow put over her face, strangled and when attempting to escape, was dragged into a room by her hair, hit in the ribs, urinated on and threatened to be thrown from a balcony in an attempt to make her death look non accidental.

Upon his return to the United Kingdom, Owers was arrested by Essex Police at London Stansted Airport.

The woman was met by investigating officers where she disclosed that Owers had repeatedly subjected her to violent sexual assault and raped her multiple times previous to this report. When questioned by police on these allegations, Owers refused to provide comment, and he was subsequently charged and remanded in January 2025.

Speaking upon sentencing the victim said:

“3rd January 2025 was the night my life almost ended at your hands.

“I still feel your hands around my throat and the pillow over my face. You held me against my will and put me through three hours of pure hell and suffering.

That night haunts me to this very day and will forever. I live in constant panic and fear and jump at the slightest noise thinking it’s you coming to finish what you started on that horrific night.

“Even though you’re imprisoned, I barricade all my doors out of fear that you have escaped and will come to kill me.

“I still fear you. I still have flashbacks and still see that terrifying evil look you had in your eyes that night”.

Detective Constable Sam Atkinson leading the investigation said:

“These offences were appalling and deeply violating, the level of abuse and violence Owers subjected a woman to showed complete disregard for her wellbeing, dignity and safety.

“I would like to commend the bravery of the woman coming forward and throughout all the court proceedings whilst Owers refused to admit his actions.

“We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and will continue to seek justice for those who have suffered at the hands of individuals with a propensity to commit such unspeakable crimes like Owers.

“I hope this result reassures our communities that we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting victims of sexual violence and pursuing offenders with determination.

“Our main priority will always be with the victims, giving them a voice and working with partners and other agencies to make them feel supported and safeguarded every step of the way. We also continue to take huge steps to reduce re-offending, deter perpetrators, and above all, keep victims safe.”