OWEN RENDALL SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN TIVERTON AND SAMPFORD PEVERELL

A man identified as Owen Rendall has been sentenced to a total of 16 years in prison, with an additional three years on extended licence, after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving three young women. The sentencing took place at Exeter Crown Court on Friday, 18 October, following a trial in which Rendall, aged 26 and residing at Shapland Place in Tiverton, was found guilty of three counts of rape, sexual assault by penetration, and two sexual assaults.

The court heard harrowing details of Rendall’s crimes, which spanned over several years and locations within the Tiverton area. During the trial, evidence was presented that in the winter of 2018, Rendall subjected a female under the age of 16 to repeated sexual assaults along the canal path in Tiverton as she was walking home. The jury was told that after the assault, Rendall told the young victim that she did not need to tell anyone about what had happened, insisting that it be kept a secret. At the time, the victim felt unable to support a prosecution, but she later found the courage to come forward and provide crucial evidence that contributed to Rendall’s conviction.

Further allegations revealed that in February 2020, Rendall raped another teenage girl at an address in Sampford Peverell. On that occasion, the victim was upset and Rendall initially offered her comfort, inviting her to his room under the pretense of providing support. She agreed, believing that no sexual advances would be made. However, once they arrived at his room, Rendall forcibly engaged in sexual activity with her, raping her despite her initial understanding that no such act would occur.

In September 2021, Rendall committed yet another serious offense by raping a second teenage girl in an alleyway near the market in Tiverton. The victim, who was under the influence of alcohol at the time, recalled that she had spoken briefly with Rendall during a night out with friends before he isolated her from her group and took her to the alley, where he assaulted her. When questioned by police, Rendall maintained that all sexual contact with the victims had been consensual, a claim that was rejected by the court based on the evidence presented.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Caroline Robertson commented on the case, stating, “Owen Rendall has demonstrated himself to be a dangerous sexual predator in his pursuit for sexual gratification. He has shown no remorse since his arrest. Today’s sentence shows that we will thoroughly investigate every complaint of sexual offending and violence towards women and girls, even if there is a delay in reporting. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring offenders like Owen Rendall to justice. I would especially like to thank those involved in this case for their bravery and patience during the investigation and court process.”