Man convicted of raping a woman in Chester

A man has been convicted of raping a woman at a home in Chester.

Paul Rowlands was found guilty of rape and assault by penetration following a trial at Chester Crown Court which concluded on Wednesday 2nd July.

The 55-year-old of York Street in Chester, has since been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 24th July where he will be sentenced.

During the trial, the court heard how the victim met Rowlands while she was at a friend’s house in Chester on Wednesday 3rd May 2023.

Later that evening, the victim and a friend attended Rowland’s then address, on Saint Anne Street, Chester. The victim later fell asleep on the sofa.

She was woken by Rowlands who had grabbed the collar of her coat to drag her onto the floor.

He then raped and sexually assaulted her multiple times over the course of an hour. He also threatened to kill her unless she was quiet.

The victim managed to free herself from the address and eventually made her way to Chester Railway Station. There, she told two on duty officers what had happened to her.

Rowlands was later arrested on Friday 5th May 2023. During his interview, he stated he couldn’t remember any sexual activity and specifically denied having anal sex with the victim.

However, forensic enquiries later proved otherwise.

Rowlands was subsequently charged with the offences. Despite pleading not guilty, the overwhelming amount of evidence meant he was found guilty on all counts by a jury following a 7-day trial.

Following the verdict, Detective Sergeant Chester Ward said:

“Firstly, I would like to commend the victim for the courage and bravery that she has shown throughout this investigation.

“Rowlands is a sexual predator who took advantage of the victim while she was in a vulnerable and disoriented state, and what he subjected her to was nothing short of sickening.

“While the victim will never be able to forget what happened that night, I hope that the verdict reached will provide her with some reassurance and help her to move forward.”

DS Ward added:

“Nobody should have to experience what the victim has been through and if anything can come from this case, I hope that it encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us.

“Cheshire Constabulary takes any allegation of sexual offences extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority."

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

Pictured - Paul Rowlands of York Street in Chester.