Man from Hull jailed for 21 years for violent sexual offences

A man from Hull has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for violent sexual offences that put his victim in fear for her life.

Alex Owers (46), of Queens Road, was given the sentence at Grimsby Crown Court on Thursday 18 June.

He originally stood trial in August 2025 - where he was found guilty of one count of intentional strangulation, two counts of suffocation, and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

But, following a second retrial in April, he was also convicted of five counts of rape.

He was first investigated following reports a woman had been strangled to the point of becoming unconscious in a hotel in Tunisia.

The victim told police she had been subject to repeated violent sexual assault and rape.

Speaking upon sentencing, the victim said: “The 3rd of January 2025 was the night my life almost ended at your hands.

“I still feel your hands around my throat and the pillow over my face. You held me against my will and put me through three hours of pure hell and suffering.

"I live in constant panic and fear and jump at the slightest noise thinking it’s you coming to finish what you started on that horrific night."

Detective Constable Sam Atkinson from Humberside Police said: “These offences were appalling and deeply violating - the level of abuse and violence Owers subjected a woman to showed complete disregard for her wellbeing, dignity and safety.

“I would like to commend the bravery of the woman coming forward and throughout all the court proceedings whilst Owers refused to admit his actions."