OWEN STRONG FROM STANLEY AND TONBRIDGE JAILED FOR HORRIFIC SEX OFFENCES IN MAIDSTONE

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Stanley and Tonbridge, Owen Strong, a man with a disturbing history of sexual misconduct, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes committed between 2009 and 2012. The offences include rape, sexual assault, molestation, and the disturbing act of taking indecent photographs of sleeping victims.

Strong’s criminal activities came to light during a court hearing at Maidstone Crown Court, where the details of his offending pattern were laid bare. The court heard that just hours after his wedding in 2009, which took place at a hotel in Hampshire, Strong engaged in inappropriate and criminal behavior. According to prosecutor Christopher May, Strong approached two sisters in the hotel and asked to use their bathroom. After emerging from the bathroom, he unexpectedly pulled down the knickers of one of the young women, an act he later claimed was intended as a joke. This incident marked the beginning of a series of troubling offences.

Despite the assault occurring on his wedding night, Strong continued his reckless behavior during his honeymoon, which was a camping trip. His wife remained unaware of the incident until they returned home. The court also heard about a separate incident at a New Year’s Eve party with an Abba theme, where Strong assaulted a 17-year-old girl. She was awakened by the flash of a camera phone and realized that Strong was taking intimate photographs of her while touching her after pulling down her underwear. She described how Strong was breathing heavily and touching her breasts before fleeing the scene when he heard his girlfriend approaching.

Mr. May emphasized that a common feature of Strong’s offending was that the victims were often asleep at the time of the assault. The court found a disturbing pattern in his behavior, which involved both women and children. When authorities seized Strong’s phone, they discovered numerous indecent images, including photographs of a sleeping woman and the 17-year-old girl. These images further illustrated the extent of his depravity.

Strong’s criminal record also includes a rape and other sexual offences committed while the victim was asleep, along with the taking of sordid photographs. Although he denied three charges—rape, assault by penetration, and sexual assault—he was ultimately convicted of these crimes. He did admit to other offences, including sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, and taking indecent photographs.

During sentencing, Judge Michael Carroll addressed Strong directly, stating, “The aggravating features here are manifold. These were gross sexual offences and the abhorrence of society must be reflected as far as your behaviour is concerned.” The judge also ordered that Strong’s name be added to the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, and a sexual offences prevention order was issued against him. Furthermore, Strong is now permanently banned from working with children, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the need to protect vulnerable individuals from further harm.