Teen Jailed After Sexual Offence Against Girl at Party

A teenager who “took advantage” of a drunk 14-year-old girl at a party has been jailed for two and a half years. Owen Zissler, who was 19 at the time, had been invited to the gathering because he could purchase alcohol for underage guests. ⚖️

Mold Crown Court heard today that Zissler, now 21, admitted having sexual activity with a child during the incident which took place in north west Wales in 2022.

Prosecutor Mark Connor told the court that the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, her friend and the defendant had gone to a shop in Gwynedd to buy alcohol, including vodka and a crate of beer. After returning to the party, the girl went upstairs to her bedroom to fetch something when Zissler followed her.

The court heard he began kissing and touching her. She said that was OK but she didn’t want sex, yet he forced himself on her.

“The defendant purchased alcohol for all of the children and took advantage of the fact that (the girl) was very drunk,” Mr Connor said.

When the girl’s father returned home and discovered what had happened, he called police. Officers found the victim “visibly upset” and she told them she couldn’t remember what had happened because she was too drunk. Forensic examination later found the defendant’s semen on her underwear.

The court heard that previous text messages revealed Zissler knew she was 14.

In her victim statement, the girl said she felt uncomfortable when two male paramedics arrived. She now finds it difficult to trust people, fears encountering Zissler, and at one point felt she would be better off dead. She experienced a downward spiral, became involved with the wrong crowd and took drugs, though is no longer friends with that group.

Simon Rogers, defending, said Zissler, of Haslington near Crewe, had been immature and had struggled with dyslexia at school, resulting in him being moved to a school for pupils with additional learning needs. The defence noted he is remorseful and now in a relationship and has a five-month-old child.

Judge His Honour Niclas Parry told the defendant: “You saw her going upstairs. You saw an opportunity and you followed her and began sexual activity immediately.” He noted that the effects made the victim contemplate taking her own life.

In addition to the prison sentence, Zissler was made subject to sex offender notification requirements and a restraining order, both for ten years.