Man jailed for raping two women while they slept

A man from Chester has been jailed after he was found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting two women while they slept.

Trevor Rowlands, known as Joe Rowlands, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 28 May where he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

The 33-year-old of Saddlery Way, Chester had earlier been found guilty of two counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault by penetration and one count of voyeurism.

In addition to his prison sentence, he has also been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

The court heard the first incident occurred in August 2018 when Rowlands raped a woman while she slept at his home in Chester, despite her previously telling him that she didn’t want to sleep with him.

The victim initially chose not to report the incident. However, in March 2019 she became aware of several recordings which Rowlands had stored on his iPad.

The videos showed Rowlands sexually assaulting the victim as she slept, however the woman had no recollection of the incidents and had not given her consent.

Following the discovery, a second woman confided in the victim that she had also been raped by Rowlands while she was sleeping.

The pair came forward and reported the incidents together in September 2019.

Following the reports an investigation was launched by the Protecting Vulnerable People Team at Cheshire Police and Rowlands was arrested in relation to the allegations.

During questioning, he denied raping either of the woman. Despite his denial, he was later charged in relation to all of the allegations.

Following the sentencing Detective Constable Michaela Burns said:

“Most importantly, I want to acknowledge the incredible courage of the victims in this case for coming forward and reporting what happened to them. It is thanks to their bravery that Rowlands predatory behaviour has finally been exposed, helping to safeguard other women in the future.

"Rowlands actions were truly horrifying but thanks to the strength and resilience shown by both victims, throughout the investigation and the trial, he is now facing the rightful consequence of his actions. 

“Nobody should have to experience what they have been through, and I hope the conclusion of this case and the sentence handed to Rowlands provides the victims with a sense of justice and supports them in their ongoing healing process.”

To report any sexual offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/%20 .

In an emergency always call 999. Information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.