Owen Dunstan, a 26-year-old offender, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison following his conviction for multiple sexual offences, including rape.
Owen Dunstan, 26, of Chellew Road, Truro, was sentenced at Truro Crown Court on Thursday, 28 November, after being convicted by a jury of rape and two counts of sexual assault during a trial that commenced on Monday, 28 October. He was acquitted of sexual assault charges involving a third complainant.
During the trial, the court was informed of Dunstan’s assaults on two victims in 2020 and 2021.
The initial victim recounted her attendance at a party in Truro where Owen Dunstan was also in attendance. In the evening, the victim encountered Dunstan alone in a lavatory.
Owen Dunstan initiated kissing her, and despite her attempts to halt his actions, he continued to sexually attack her. The assault ceased solely upon a knock at the door.
Subsequent to the incident, Owen Dunstan and the victim communicated over Facebook Messenger, during which Dunstan implored her to be silent about the occurrence.
The second set of offences took place in June 2021, again on a night out in Truro.
The second victim in the case was in a bar when Owen Dunstan sat at her table. Dunstan put his arm around her and attempted to kiss her. He then placed his hand on her inner thigh resulting in her discretely reporting it to the barman.
The barman then cited Covid regulations as an excuse to get Dunstan to move tables, Owen Dunstan leaving the venue after becoming involved in a scuffle.
The victim left the bar and decided to attend a party that Owen Dunstan was also attending. During the walk to the party a witness reported the victim pushing Dunstan away from her as he touched her inappropriately.
She described to officers how on the walk, a friend of Dunstan’s walked ahead, and Owen Dunstan then sexually touched the complainant despite her protests, before raping her against a car.
The same witness who saw Dunstan touch the victim then saw her coming back the way she came visibly upset. She then disclosed to him that she had been raped by Owen Dunstan.
The morning after the rape officers conducted a search of the scene and found her missing earring on the bonnet of a van.
Officers in the case Police Staff Investigator Martin Skinner said: “We are pleased that justice has been done and that Owen Dunstan has been sent to prison for his offending.
“Dunstan showed no consideration whatsoever for his victims in his pursuit of sexual gratification.
“He targeted both of these 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 will continue to thoroughly investigate any reports of such offending against women and girls.”
If you have been affected by this article there is support available.
You can visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.
You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
Advice and support can also be found at:
National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
For more information please visit: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.