Published
Mon, May 9, 2022, 17:55
- Gellen sexually assaulted a woman in December 2019 before raping her in March 2020.
Content warning: This story contains references to rape and sexual assault.
Paul Gellen, AKA British drum & bass artist DJ Sly, has been convicted of rape by Essex Police.
According to the police report, Gellen, who is 43, sexually assaulted a woman in December 2019 before raping her in March 2020. Both incidents followed a similar pattern: after a night out with Gellen, the woman woke up with no recollection of what had happened.
Gellen, who was arrested after the second incident, denied the charges. He was found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, May 5th, and will be sentenced at the same court on June 8th.
"Paul Gellen is a sexual predator who saw the victim's vulnerabilities as an opportunity," said detective constable Liv Howells. "On both occasions she was not in a position to give consent and Gellen took advantage of this for his own sexual gratification. The absence of someone saying 'no' is not the same as them saying yes."
With releases dating back to 2006, Gellen was a prolific producer and active DJ. In 2017, he launched Levels Records with Swifta.
Several members of the drum & bass community have spoken out following the verdict, including Sam Binga and Spectrasoul's Jack Workforce. Read their tweets.
In 2017, the Association For Electronic Music (AFEM) set up a helpline to support victims of sexual abuse or harassment. Call 0800 030 5182 (outside the UK: +44 800 030 5182) to speak to a professional.
Update, May 11th: This piece was updated with information about AFEM's sexual harassment helpline.