LEE SEERY, BACUP'S 'DIRTY PREDATOR', SENTENCED FOR RAPE AT HOUSE PARTY IN BACUP

In June 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving a woman who endured a horrifying assault at a house party in Bacup. The incident left her feeling shattered and deeply traumatized, prompting her to report the assault to the police the following day. The perpetrator, Lee Seery, aged 34 and a resident of Ribble Street in Bacup, was accused of sneaking into a bedroom where the sleeping victim was resting and subjecting her to a heinous and disgraceful attack.

The court heard that Seery had removed the woman’s trousers while she was asleep, an act that compounded her sense of violation and fear. The victim recounted that she was initially assaulted while she was unconscious, and upon awakening, she found Seery in her room. She described her terror at the moment she realized what was happening, especially after discovering that he had sexually abused her earlier while she was unaware.

The woman described feeling 'distraught and worthless' in the aftermath of the assault. Her emotional distress was so profound that she found it difficult to leave her home, and her family bore the brunt of her frustration and anger. She expressed relief that Seery was now on the sex offender register for life, which she believed would prevent him from harming anyone else.

During the court proceedings at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, the prosecution outlined the details of the incident, which took place in 2017 during a house party attended by both adults and children. Prosecutor Jonathan Savage explained that after the children had gone to bed, the party continued downstairs with alcohol being consumed by the adults. Both Seery and the victim admitted to drinking that evening, with the victim acknowledging she became quite intoxicated.

The victim stayed at the house that night, changed into her pajamas, and fell asleep. However, she was subjected to a sexual assault before Seery proceeded to rape her. The victim attempted to confront him, shouting, “What are you doing?” and then ran out of the house in a panic. Her distress was so severe that she tried to get into her car to drive home, but her car keys were taken from her, preventing her from leaving immediately.

The following day, she confided in her family about the assault and underwent physical examinations. DNA evidence confirmed her account, linking Seery to the attack. Initially, Seery denied any sexual contact, but he later pleaded guilty to attempted rape during the trial, which began with him denying the charges altogether.

It was also revealed that Seery had a prior conviction from May 2008 for attempting to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child, an incident that also occurred at a house party. This previous conviction was noted by the court as aggravating the current offense.

Judge John Potter described Seery’s actions as 'disgraceful' and 'disgusting,' emphasizing the profound impact on the victim. He stated, “This act has caused the victim an understandably enormous amount of distress which has remained with her ever since. She was particularly vulnerable having had alcohol and being asleep.” The judge also condemned Seery for lying to cover up the assault, noting that his previous conviction worsened his current sentence.

Seery was sentenced to seven years and two months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offender register for life and is prohibited from contacting the victim or her family indefinitely. The court’s decision aims to protect the community and prevent further harm from the convicted individual.