Martial arts club owner jailed for raping woman

The owner of a martial arts club has been jailed for eight years after he raped a woman at his studio.

Juan Miguel Figueroa-Ball, 44, attacked the woman during a one-to-one introductory session at Ceres Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Richfield Avenue, Reading.

Figueroa-Ball, of Reading, was found guilty of one count of rape following a trial at Reading Crown Court in August and he was jailed on 8 October.

He was also given a 10-year restraining order banning him from contact with his victim and will be put on the sex offender register indefinitely.

He was acquitted of another count of sexual assault relating to the same incident at his trial.

Temporary Det Sgt Jennifer Cox, of Thames Valley Police, said he had inflicted the "traumatic offence" on the woman, who "showed remarkable courage and resilience" despite it having a "lasting impact" on her.

"Violence against women and girls remains a priority for Thames Valley Police," she said.

"We are committed to thoroughly investigating offences of this nature, supporting victims, and bringing offenders before the courts."