CHRISTIAN LEWIS SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR BRUTAL SEXUAL OFFENCE IN BURNLEY

In a case that has shocked the community of Burnley, a man named Christian Lewis has been handed a life sentence after committing a heinous sexual assault. The incident took place in August 2024, when Lewis, who was known to the victim, was socializing at a local pub in Burnley. During their interaction, Lewis offered to accompany the woman, who was in her 40s, back to her home. What seemed like a simple gesture quickly turned into a nightmare for the victim.

Upon reaching her residence, Lewis suddenly and violently seized her by the hair, initiating a brutal assault. The attack was not only physical but also terrifying, as he issued threats towards her, heightening her distress and fear. The assault culminated in Lewis raping the woman, an act that left her traumatized and desperate to escape. Despite the violence, the victim managed to break free from Lewis’s grip and fled her home, seeking safety and help.

She promptly reported the assault to the police, who launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The authorities quickly identified Christian Lewis, aged 34, who was found to have no fixed address at the time of his arrest. He was taken into custody on suspicion of multiple serious charges, including rape, assault causing actual bodily harm, and non-fatal strangulation. Lewis’s legal proceedings moved swiftly, and he pleaded guilty to the charges at Burnley Crown Court on Monday, February 17.

On Friday, May 2, Lewis was formally sentenced at Preston Crown Court. The judge handed down a life imprisonment sentence, with a minimum term of seven years before he could be considered for parole. This means Lewis must serve at least seven years behind bars before any possibility of release, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

DC Laura Jenkins, a member of the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, expressed her views on the case, stating, “Lewis attacked his victim in her own home, a place where she should feel the safest. We welcome the custodial sentence given today and hope it demonstrates that sexual offences are not tolerated in Lancashire. I hope this allows the victim to start rebuilding her life now that the man responsible is behind bars.”

DC Jodie Nolan, also from the same team, praised the victim for her bravery in coming forward and emphasized the importance of taking such crimes seriously. She reassured other victims that their reports are handled with the utmost care and thoroughness, with dedicated efforts to ensure justice is served. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by victims and the commitment of law enforcement in Burnley and Lancashire to uphold justice and protect the community.