A 44-year-old martial arts club owner who attacked and raped a woman during a private introductory session has been sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment at Reading Crown Court.
Juan Miguel Figueroa-Ball, of Long Acre Close, Canterbury, Kent, appeared for sentence on Thursday 8 October 2026 following an inquiry by Thames Valley Police.
The court was told that the assault occurred on 21 July 2023 at Ceres Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Richfield Avenue in Reading. Figueroa-Ball, who ran the club, offered the victim a free one-to-one introductory class at the studio. After getting the victim alone inside the facility, Figueroa-Ball initiated a Jiu-Jitsu roll, during which he attacked and raped her.
Figueroa-Ball entered a not guilty plea to the indictment, requiring a trial. Following six days of evidence, the jury rejected his account and returned a unanimous guilty verdict on 25 August 2026.
Under the provisions of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992 and Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, all victims and complainants connected to sexual offence proceedings are protected by automatic, lifelong statutory anonymity. Publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating any details, names, addresses, workplaces, or photographs capable of leading to public identification is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Figueroa-Ball was convicted of:
One count of rape
Passing sentence on 8 October 2026, the Crown Court judge handed Figueroa-Ball an immediate custodial term of eight years’ imprisonment.
Alongside the custodial sentence, the court ordered:
A 10-year restraining order prohibiting any direct or indirect contact with the victim
Indefinite notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register under the Sexual Offences Act 2003
Statutory post-custody licence supervision conditions upon release from prison
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
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