MATTHEW LEWIS AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL IN KENT
A man registered as a sex offender, Matthew Lewis, has been sentenced to three years in prison after his violent and sexually abusive behavior towards a teenage girl on a train in Kent.The disturbing incident occurred when Lewis, of Sittingbourne, targeted the young girl after she and a friend boarded a train at Margate station.
The court heard that Lewis, aged 55, who has a lengthy criminal record with 251 previous offences resulting in 95 convictions, committed this assault despite being subject to strict legal restrictions.
According to court reports, the ordeal took place in June of the previous year.
Lewis approached the two girls in a persistent manner, making inappropriate comments and attempting to engage them further.
He expressed a desire to take them for a drink and even suggested they run away with him.
Despite their clear refusals and indications that they were only 16 years old, Lewis continued his unwelcome advances.
Prosecutor Anoushka Twining stated, “The girls removed themselves from their location towards other passengers and Mr Lewis sat next to them.” The situation escalated when Lewis placed his hand on the victim’s leg, persisting in a sexual assault that left her visibly distressed.
The court was told that nearby passengers noticed the uncomfortable situation.
One man challenged Lewis’s behavior, and a group of fellow travelers invited the girls to sit with them further down the carriage to protect them.
As the train approached Rainham, the victims, feeling unsafe, disembarked and pointed out Lewis to train staff.
Police were promptly called and responded swiftly, arresting Lewis at the scene.
At the time of the incident, Lewis was in breach of a criminal behavior order issued in 2019.
This order prohibited him from being drunk on public transport or possessing open alcohol containers outside licensed premises.
The court examined Lewis’s criminal record and noted its severity, highlighting a past conviction for exposure among numerous others.
The victim herself attended the sentencing hearing, describing the “repellent and frightening” aftermath of Lewis’s assault.
The court ultimately sentenced him to three years in prison, reflecting the gravity of his actions.
Further details revealed Lewis’s encounters with the law after the incident.
The court heard evidence of him being found intoxicated at Faversham station on July 1 and again at Margate station on August 7.
On both occasions, Lewis was discovered either asleep or unconscious, lying beside a bottle of wine, and visibly unwell, with vomit on his jumper.
When staff attempted to remove him from the station, he threatened violence by threatening to punch the personnel involved.
Lewis’s criminal behavior did not cease after his release from HMP Elmley in April.
He provided a false address to the police, breaching notification requirements, and was later found in possession of amphetamines.
The authorities described Lewis as a “dangerous individual” with an “appalling” criminal record.
His reckless conduct and substance abuse contributed to ongoing disorderly and chaotic behavior.
During sentencing, Judge Mark Weekes addressed Lewis directly via a remote hearing from HMP Elmley.
The judge criticized Lewis’s blatant disobedience of court orders and highlighted the severe impact of his sexual assault on the young girl who bravely endured the ordeal.
The judge depicted the assault as “frightening and repellent,” noting the profound emotional effect it had on her.
In mitigation, defense representative Phil Rowley cited Lewis’s significant struggles with alcohol, describing his problems as “particularly acute,” which lead to disorderly conduct.
He expressed that Lewis wished to “apologise profusely” to the victim for his behavior.
Detective Constable Stephen Gadd from British Transport Police reinforced the seriousness of Lewis’s actions, stating, “Lewis is a dangerous individual who subjected a young girl to extremely unacceptable sexual behaviour, and I’m pleased to see him behind bars.
His actions left the victim and her friend feeling hugely distressed, and I want to thank them for their bravery in reporting the incident and supporting our investigation.
No one should suffer such vile treatment while traveling.” As part of his sentence, Lewis was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and to comply with various breach and notification laws.
The case underscores the ongoing issues with offenders who breach legal restrictions and commit serious offenses in public spaces across Kent.
