What happened to the survivor of Fred and Rose West?

One of the first lawsuits against notorious serial killers Fred and Rose West was filed by a woman named Caroline Owens. In 1972, she reported the two for assault and both were later found guilty. Caroline's case became a focal point for prosecutors when Rose went on trial in 1992 for attempting to shift all the blame onto her husband. Peacock's World's Most Notorious Killers episode, titled “The West Murders,” uses archival footage of Caroline to provide an authentic insight into the pain and suffering the couple inflicted on their victims.

Caroline Owens entered the house in Cromwell Street as a nanny

Caroline Owens was 16 years old when she first met Fred and Rose West while hitchhiking from Tewkesbury, Gloucester, where her boyfriend lived, to their home in Cinderford, Gloucester. During their conversation, Caroline mentioned her strained relationship with her stepfather and her desire for financial independence. The couple seized the opportunity and offered her a job as a nanny for their three children. Caroline accepted the offer and they invited her to stay at their home in Cromwell Street, Gloucester, promising to drop her off at their home every Tuesday.

The job seemed like an excellent opportunity for Caroline Owens, and she gladly accepted it. She moved into a room that she shared with Fred's daughter from his first marriage, Anna Marie. However, things did not go as planned. Owens soon found out that Rose was allegedly involved in sex work, which she performed from one of the rooms in the house. The couple began making sexually suggestive comments to her, which became increasingly uncomfortable. Owens felt uncomfortable in this situation and after a few months decided to quit the job.

Caroline Owens described her attack to the police in 1972

On 6 December 1972, Caroline Owens was hitchhiking from Tewkesbury to Cinderford as usual when Fred and Rose West again pulled up alongside her. This time they apologised for their previous behaviour and offered to drive her home. Owens accepted their offer and Rose got in the back of the car while Fred drove. However, things quickly took a dark turn when the pair began touching her inappropriately and making offensive remarks. When Owens resisted, Fred slapped her in the face, knocking her unconscious. She later admitted that she had been sexually abused that night and, fearing for her life, agreed to work as their nanny when they asked her.

Following Caroline Owens' complaint, police charged Fred and Rose West with assault, sexual assault, battery and rape. The trial was scheduled for January 1973, but Owens was very afraid of facing them in court and decided not to give evidence before the trial could take place. As a result, the more serious charges were dropped. The couple agreed to plead guilty to the less serious charges of sexual assault and battery. These reduced charges allowed them to be released after paying a fine of £50 each.

In 1995, during Rose West's trial on ten counts of murder, Owens testified against her, providing crucial evidence that strengthened the prosecution. Owens' testimony helped establish that Fred did not act alone and that Rose was equally responsible for the crimes. Her testimony illustrated a pattern of Rose's behavior. Before Fred's death, he had confessed that Owens had been kidnapped “for Rose's pleasure” and that he had taken her to see if Rose would help him kidnap others. Owens also recounted how Rose had smothered her with a pillow while Fred had threatened to kill her and bury her under the cobblestones.

Caroline Owens lived a full life before she died of cancer

In the years that followed, Owens realised the importance of sharing her story. She took part in various interviews and television programmes discussing the crimes of Fred and Rose West. Her detailed accounts of her time with them and her experiences were featured prominently in programmes such as Crimes That Shook Britain and Fred and Rose. In April 2005, under the name Caroline Roberts, she authored a book entitled The Lost Girl: How I Triumphed Over Life at the Mercy of Fred and Rose West, which is still available to buy on Amazon.

Caroline lived a full life, raising a family of three children. She remained a strong voice in the discussions surrounding the case of Fred and Rose West, frequently expressing sympathy for the victims. In her later years, she was diagnosed with cancer, which ultimately took her life in 2016. Her journey from surviving such a horrific ordeal to living a full and meaningful life was a testament to her remarkable strength and resilience.

Read more: Rose West: Where is the serial killer now?