OWEN ZISSLER FROM CHESHIRE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL AT PARTY IN NORTH WEST WALES
| Red Rose Database
Cheshire Rapist
A disturbing case has emerged involving Owen Zissler, a young man from Cheshire, who was convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl during a party in North West Wales. The incident took place in 2022 and has garnered significant attention due to the serious nature of the offense and the circumstances surrounding it.
According to court proceedings held at Mold Crown Court, Zissler, who was 19 years old at the time, was invited to a gathering where alcohol was being consumed by underage attendees. His role in the event was primarily as a provider of alcohol, as he was of legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages. The party was held in Gwynedd, a region in North West Wales, and involved a group of young people including the victim and her friend.
On the night of the incident, the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had gone to a local shop in Gwynedd with her friend and Zissler to buy alcohol, which included vodka and a crate of beer. After returning to the party, she decided to go upstairs to her bedroom to retrieve something. It was at this point that Zissler followed her, and what ensued was a series of distressing events. The girl reported that Zissler began kissing and touching her, and although she initially indicated she was okay with some of his advances, she explicitly stated she did not want to have sex. Despite her protests, Zissler forced himself upon her, an act that has been described as a serious breach of trust and consent.
Prosecutor Mark Connor highlighted that Zissler had purchased alcohol for all the children at the party and exploited the girl’s intoxicated state to commit the offense. The situation was further compounded when the girl’s father returned home and discovered what had happened. He promptly contacted the police, who arrived to find the girl visibly upset and unable to recall the details of the incident due to her intoxication. Evidence collected included samples of semen found on her underwear, linking Zissler to the assault.
Investigations revealed that Zissler was aware of the girl’s age through text messages, which confirmed she was only 14. During police interviews, Zissler chose not to comment on the allegations. The case also included a victim statement in which the girl expressed her feelings of discomfort and fear. She described her difficulty trusting others, her fear of encountering Zissler again, and her feelings of despair, which led her into a downward spiral involving drug use and associating with the wrong crowd. She also shared her feelings of vulnerability, including her discomfort with male paramedics and her thoughts of self-harm.
In his defense, Zissler’s lawyer, Simon Rogers, argued that his client was immature, struggled with dyslexia, and had been moved to a school for pupils with additional learning needs, which contributed to his social difficulties. Rogers emphasized that Zissler was remorseful, was in a relationship, and was a father to a five-month-old child. However, the judge, His Honour Niclas Parry, was clear in his sentencing. He stated that Zissler had seen the girl go upstairs, followed her, and immediately engaged in sexual activity, taking advantage of her vulnerable state. The judge noted the profound impact on the victim, including her contemplating suicide as a result of the trauma.
Ultimately, Zissler was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Additionally, he was subjected to a ten-year sex offender notification requirement and a restraining order for the same period, aimed at protecting the victim and preventing further offenses. The case underscores the serious consequences of exploiting minors and highlights the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people in social settings.
According to court proceedings held at Mold Crown Court, Zissler, who was 19 years old at the time, was invited to a gathering where alcohol was being consumed by underage attendees. His role in the event was primarily as a provider of alcohol, as he was of legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages. The party was held in Gwynedd, a region in North West Wales, and involved a group of young people including the victim and her friend.
On the night of the incident, the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had gone to a local shop in Gwynedd with her friend and Zissler to buy alcohol, which included vodka and a crate of beer. After returning to the party, she decided to go upstairs to her bedroom to retrieve something. It was at this point that Zissler followed her, and what ensued was a series of distressing events. The girl reported that Zissler began kissing and touching her, and although she initially indicated she was okay with some of his advances, she explicitly stated she did not want to have sex. Despite her protests, Zissler forced himself upon her, an act that has been described as a serious breach of trust and consent.
Prosecutor Mark Connor highlighted that Zissler had purchased alcohol for all the children at the party and exploited the girl’s intoxicated state to commit the offense. The situation was further compounded when the girl’s father returned home and discovered what had happened. He promptly contacted the police, who arrived to find the girl visibly upset and unable to recall the details of the incident due to her intoxication. Evidence collected included samples of semen found on her underwear, linking Zissler to the assault.
Investigations revealed that Zissler was aware of the girl’s age through text messages, which confirmed she was only 14. During police interviews, Zissler chose not to comment on the allegations. The case also included a victim statement in which the girl expressed her feelings of discomfort and fear. She described her difficulty trusting others, her fear of encountering Zissler again, and her feelings of despair, which led her into a downward spiral involving drug use and associating with the wrong crowd. She also shared her feelings of vulnerability, including her discomfort with male paramedics and her thoughts of self-harm.
In his defense, Zissler’s lawyer, Simon Rogers, argued that his client was immature, struggled with dyslexia, and had been moved to a school for pupils with additional learning needs, which contributed to his social difficulties. Rogers emphasized that Zissler was remorseful, was in a relationship, and was a father to a five-month-old child. However, the judge, His Honour Niclas Parry, was clear in his sentencing. He stated that Zissler had seen the girl go upstairs, followed her, and immediately engaged in sexual activity, taking advantage of her vulnerable state. The judge noted the profound impact on the victim, including her contemplating suicide as a result of the trauma.
Ultimately, Zissler was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Additionally, he was subjected to a ten-year sex offender notification requirement and a restraining order for the same period, aimed at protecting the victim and preventing further offenses. The case underscores the serious consequences of exploiting minors and highlights the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people in social settings.