May 2023

Cardiff man jailed for sexual assault and controlling/coercive behaviour

Sean Owen of Pontprennau, Cardiff, has been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for sexual assault and controlling/coercive behaviour.

Owen denied the offences but was found guilty following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court.

The 29-year-old subjected his former partner Gabrielle Dale to verbal and physical abuse over a seven-year period.

It culminated in an incident of sexual assault and Gabrielle, 26, bravely contacted South Wales Police in June 2020.

Gabrielle has waived her right to anonymity to encourage others suffering from the same kind of abuse to come forward.

In a victim personal statement, she, said:

“Although I am still suffering and struggle daily, I refuse to live my life this way, I want to be able to walk away from this toxic situation in the hope that he never comes to hurt me again.

“I’m a strong independent woman now. I just want to be able to erase all the damage that’s been done.”

Owen was jailed at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, and also made subject to a restraining order.

Following the hearing, Gabrielle thanked the officer in the case for providing ‘amazing support’ throughout the investigation, saying “You’ve helped me in so many ways and reassured me whenever I had doubts.  I’ll forever be grateful for all your help” .