'Dangerous predator' attacked girl on Devon canal path

A dangerous sexual predator has been jailed for 16 years for the rape and sexual abuse of three young women. Owen Rendall, 26, of Shapland Place in Tiverton was found guilty after a trial of three rapes, sexual assault by penetration and two sexual assaults of a female.

The jury heard how in 2018 Rendall sexually assaulted a female under the age of 16 several times on the canal path at Tiverton whilst she was walking home. Following the incident Rendall told the victim that she didn’t need to tell anyone, and it was their secret.

At the time of the incident, the victim did not feel able to support a prosecution, but later bravely came forward to provide evidence.

In February 2020, Rendall raped another teenage girl at an address in Sampford Peverell. On the night in question the victim was upset and Rendall comforted her, inviting her to go with him to his room. She agreed on the understanding that he didn’t make any sexual advances.

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Despite this, when they arrived at his room, Rendall forced himself upon the victim and raped her.

In September 2021, Rendall raped a second teenage girl in an alleyway near to the market in Tiverton. The victim was under the influence of alcohol at the time, and recalls speaking to Rendall briefly whilst on a night out with friends.

Rendall then isolated her from her friends and took her to an alleyway, where he attacked her. When questioned by police, Rendall insisted that all sexual contact with the victims had been consensual.

Rendall was given a further three years to be served on extended licence. He must serve at least 10 years eight months of his sentence and sign the sex offenders’ register for life.

Following the sentencing, DC Caroline Robertson said: “Owen Rendall has demonstrated himself to be a dangerous sexual predator in his pursuit for sexual gratification. He has showed 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.”

With a further three years to be served on extended licence Rendall must serve at least 10 years eight months of his sentence and sign the sex offenders’ register for life.