A MAN from Bangor who raped two women when they were both under 13 was told he has a “twisted mind” and left them feeling “inadequate” and “dirty”.
Osian Owen, 28, of Min Y Ddôl, was jailed for five years at Mold Crown Court today (November 27).
Owen denied five counts of rape and six of causing a child younger than 13 to engage in sexual activity, but was convicted by a jury of all 11 charges following a trial last month.
His offending took place in Bangor more than a decade ago.
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Reading aloud her victim impact statement in court to Owen, who appeared via videolink from custody where he had been remanded, one of the women told him: “The scars you left are not just physical. They run deep within me.
“You stole my innocence; the very innocence every child deserves.
“My self-esteem is so low. It leaves me feeling unworthy and inadequate, even in situations when I know I should feel confident.”
The woman told Owen he has a “twisted mind” and had “shown no remorse or taken any responsibility” for his behaviour.
She added: “Now, it is finally time for you to face the consequences of stealing my childhood.
“I pray that you find the support I never had, and find a way to change.
“Today, I am no longer the defenceless child you shattered years ago. I refuse to let your actions define me.
“I will no longer live one more day as your victim. Instead, I am stepping forward as a survivor, stronger than I have ever been.”
Owen’s second victim said she kept a “horrible secret” to herself for years before disclosing his offending behaviour.
This, she added, felt like a “massive burden” which was “eating away” at her.
She said Owen made her feel like she was “nothing to anybody”, and had a “constant fear of being hated”.
The woman said: “The older I got, the more it affected me, as I understood the nature of what happened. I did not tell anyone at the time, as I did not know what to say. I think, deep down, I was scared.
“As I started to understand more of what happened, I felt disgusted and dirty. It was hard for me to understand until recently that it was not my fault.
“I went through a phase of completely isolating myself and hiding in my room for days at a time, not wanting to be seen by anybody.
“I hope your time in prison is spent reflecting on your actions, and the impact you’ve had on myself and others.
“Although your sentence today brings me some feeling of closure, it does not take away the hurt you’ve caused.
“Today, I stop being your victim. I leave the past behind, and walk confidently into my future.”
Owen had no previous convictions or cautions on his criminal record.
His barrister, Gareth Bellis, asked the court to consider Owen’s much younger age when he committed these offences.
Sentencing, Judge Rhys Rowlands labelled Owen “depraved”, and also made him subject to sex offenders register notification requirements, and a sexual harm prevention order, indefinitely.
Restraining orders lasting 10 years were issued to protect his victims.
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