Locations
Billingham, County Durham, TS2
Description
A man described by police as a “serial perpetrator” of violence has been jailed.
Owen Rowe came under investigation in early 2024 after a woman reported being raped and assaulted by Rowe.
The now 23-year-old had used emotional blackmail against his accuser, saying he would take his own life if she reported his behaviour.
The woman also reported Rowe was controlling, possessive and jealous.
During initial police interviews he admitted a “minor” assault on the woman but he continued to deny raping her and he even accused her of controlling behaviour.
Following a lengthy and extremely complex investigation in which a number of our officers dealt with separate allegations from different victims, Rowe was convicted of coercive and controlling behaviour (CCB) and rape of the original complainant, as well as with sexual assault and common assault on another woman, and with an attempted serious assault on a man.
And on Monday (19th October) Rowe was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with an additional three years on licence.
At the hearing Rowe was referred to as a “dangerous offender”.
The officer who investigated the report of rape and CCB, DC Kirby from the force’s Protecting Vulnerable People unit (PVP), said:
“This was an extremely complex investigation which seemed to grow and grow as additional information, allegations and counter allegations came into us.
“Throughout the investigation and trial, Rowe continued to deny what he’d done, minimising his actions and behaviour. Throughout enquiries, though, we remained steadfast and determined to establish the truth while keeping our victims updated and appropriately safeguarded throughout.
“I believe our perseverance has paid off and I’m relieved to hear Rowe has received a considerable sentence.
“I hope this outcome brings comfort to both women and the male victim who suffered at Rowe’s hands; I’d like to thank them all for supporting our enquiries over such a long time and I wish them well for the future.
“Finally, all our communities should be warned that Cleveland Police will not tolerate violence of any kind – sexual, physical or emotional - and we will always do everything we can to protect victims and bring perpetrators before the courts."