A Truro man has been jailed for 12 years after being convicted of sexual offences including rape.
Owen Dunstan, 26, from Chellew Road, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentencing yesterday, having been convicted by a jury of rape and two sexual assaults. He was found not guilty of a sexual assault against a third complainant, at a trial that started on Monday, October 28.
The court heard how Dunstan attacked two victims in 2020 and 2021. The first victim described how she attended a party in Truro at which Dunstan was also present.
The victim found herself alone in a toilet with Dunstan, who started kissing her and, despite her efforts to get him to stop, proceeded to sexually assault her. The attack only stopped when there was a knock at the door.
In the days that followed, Dunstan and the victim spoke over Facebook Messenger, with Dunstan asking her not to tell anybody what happened.
The second set of offences took place in June 2021 in a Truro bar. Dunstan sat at the victim’s table, put his arm around her, attempted to kiss her and placed his hand on her inner thigh.
The victim discreetly alerted the barman, who cited Covid regulations as an excuse to get Dunstan to move tables. Dunstan left the venue after becoming involved in a scuffle.
The victim left the bar and decided to attend a party that Dunstan was also attending. A witness reported seeing the victim push Dunstan away from her as he touched her inappropriately as she walked to the party.
The same witness saw her return, visibly upset; she disclosed to him that she had been raped by Dunstan. The following morning, officers conducted a search of the scene and found her missing earring on a van bonnet.
Police Staff Investigator Martin Skinner said: “Dunstan showed no consideration whatsoever for his victims in his pursuit of sexual gratification.
“He targeted both young women following interactions in social environments. I would like to thank them for their immense bravery in giving evidence and for remaining engaged with what has been a lengthy investigation and court process.
“We are pleased justice has been done and Owen Dunstan has been sent to prison for his offending.
“We will continue to thoroughly investigate any reports of such offending against women and girls.”
Victims of sexual assault can access support services and information on their rights and the criminal justice system at victimcare-dc.org
They can also visit www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault or call:
· Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111
· Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900
· National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
· Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626