KYE LEWIS SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS FOR RAPE IN SOUTHEND CEMETERY

In a case that has shocked the community of Southend, Kye Lewis, a 21-year-old man, was handed a seven-year prison sentence after being convicted of raping a sex worker in a local cemetery in 2017.

The incident unfolded when the victim, who was working in her usual area, was approached by Lewis, who drove up and inquired if she was available. After a brief conversation, they agreed on the terms of their encounter. Lewis then proceeded to drive at high speed through the back roads surrounding Southend, eventually bringing the vehicle to a stop in a secluded cemetery.

Once parked, the situation quickly escalated. Lewis became aggressive and violent, brandishing a weapon and threatening the victim with it. He explicitly told her that he intended to commit rape. Overcome with fear and feeling vulnerable, the woman exited the vehicle in an attempt to escape. Despite her fear, Lewis coerced her into submission, raping her in a terrifying ordeal that left her feeling helpless and traumatized.

Following the assault, Lewis fled the scene, taking with him the victim’s phone and handbag, leaving her stranded in the cemetery with no means to call for help. The victim was left distressed, abused, and isolated, with her personal belongings stolen and her safety compromised.

Helen Walsh, representing the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), stated, “We were able to demonstrate to the court that Kye Lewis acted without the victim’s consent and used a weapon to instill fear. He committed two acts of rape for his own sexual gratification, showing a complete disregard for her safety and well-being.”