‘Despicable and perverted’ Ribbleton man lured and lied to teenager before raping her in Burnley

A man from Preston has been jailed after lying about his age before raping a teenager in Burnley.

Lewis Watson was in Burnley town centre on 29 January. His victim, a 17-year-old girl, was walking to the bus stop.

Watson, 30, approached his victim and began talking to her – even asking her age. When she replied 17, he lied and told her he was 23.

Watson told the victim to walk with him before suggesting they find shelter from the rain and stood in an overhang of a shop.

It was there that he sexually assaulted her, before guiding her to a second location, and raping her. She tried to stop him, the court heard.

An investigation was launched by Lancashire Constabulary and Lewis Watson was identified.

Watson, of Hazel Grove, Ribbleton, Preston, was arrested on suspicion of, and later charged with rape and sexual assault.

He pleaded guilty at Burnley Crown Court and was today (9 December) given a 19-year sentence, comprising of 11 years in prison, and eight years on extended license.

The victim said in an impact statement: “I can no longer sleep, I get flashbacks of that day every night.

“The image will forever be ingrained in my mind. I no longer trust people. This man scarred me for life.”

The statement continued: “If only people knew what this monster did to me. Words just can’t describe the impact this has had on me, and it will live with me for the rest of my life.”

DC Jodie Nolan and DC Laura Jenkins of Lancashire Constabulary’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences investigation team led the investigation.

DC Nolan said: “Lewis’ victim was innocent; a child walking to a bus station. The thought of being attacked shouldn’t have even crossed her mind.

“She was attacked though. Watson approached her, made her feel uncomfortable, lured her to another location and sexually assaulted and raped her.

“I can only commend the victim for the incredible bravery and strength she has shown throughout proceedings. I hope that with Watson jailed, she can now begin to heal and re-build her life.

DC Jenkins added: “Watson is despicable and perverted. The crimes committed by him are nothing short of abhorrent, and I welcome the sentence handed down on him today.

“I hope that this sets a clear example that rape, and serious sexual assaults will not be tolerated in Lancashire. If you have been a victim of any sexual offence, please know that we will listen to you, we will investigate and we will do all we can to bring the person responsible to justice.”

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