A MAN who raped and sexually assaulted a woman who was unable to give consent has been jailed.

Paul Gellen, of Goldingham Drive, Braintree, denied charges of rape, sexual assault, and assault by penetration but was convicted on Thursday, May 5 following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

At the same court yesterday, Thursday October 13, he was jailed for 15 years and a received a further six on licence. 

The 43-year-old attacked the woman on two separate occasions – in December 2019 and then in March the following year.

Both assaults took place following nights out and, in the second instance, he had been entrusted to give the victim a lift home.

On both occasions the victim had no recollection of what had happened and only found out when Gellen himself told her.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Liv Howells, from Essex Police’s Adult Sexual Assault Investigation Team said: “Paul Gellen preyed on the victim’s vulnerability, taking advantage of her for his own sexual gratification.

“The absence of someone saying ‘no’ is not the same as them saying ‘yes’.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of consent and no sexual activity should take place without it.

“If either party says ‘no’ or is not in a position to say ‘yes’, then stop.

“I want to praise the victim for her courage. She has been through an unimaginable ordeal but has shown great dignity.

“I hope this result will help her move forward.”