Man sentenced to life for rape in Torquay
A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison after he raped two women earlier this year.
Lewis Stewart appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday 14 September where Judge Climie told him he would serve a minimum of 18 years.
Stewart, of No Fixed Abode, Torbay, was found guilty of three counts of rape at trial and pleaded guilty to possession of drugs and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The court heard during the trial that Stewart had been on a night out in Torquay Town Centre on 21 January when he targeted two vulnerable women - he was captured on CCTV following and watching them.
He got in a taxi with them back to an address where he subjected them to rape, boasting about his actions to them the following day.
On arrest officers seized Stewart’s phone where they found a photo of one of the victims in a vulnerable state. He was also in possession of drugs with evidence of dealing found on the phone.
Following a nine-day trial a jury unanimously found him guilty of three counts of rape. He appeared back at court on Thursday where he was sentenced to life in prison, to serve a minimum of 18 years.
Investigating officer, DS Parsons said: “Stewart presents a real risk to the public and this is reflected in the sentence he has been given by the courts.
“His crimes have had a detrimental effect on his victims and their families, and I praise their bravery and courage to come forward and report what happened to them.
“To repeat the words of the sentencing judge, ‘Stewart is a highly sophisticated and manipulative offender which is evident in his controlling and coercive behaviour towards the opposite sex’.
“I hope the outcome will help the victims find an element of closure and that it sends a clear message that offences of this type will be investigated, and offenders bought to justice.”
Superintendent Nicky Seager said: “As the Force Lead for Rape and Sexual Offences I am incredibly proud of this latest sentencing result clearly demonstrating that Devon & Cornwall Police are committed to protecting our communities and providing victims with a quality service and support.
“This very serious case is an example of a suspect focused investigation where Lewis Stewart’s actions were subject to scrutiny and not the victims who stood trial. The success demonstrates an effective prosecution team ethos by police colleagues working closely with CPS South West dedicated Lawyers.
“I want to reassure any victims of this horrendous crime type that we are working jointly to transform and improve the way we respond to and investigate rape.”
Supt Seager continued: This transformational approach, driven by Operation Soteria Bluestone, has defined a new ‘suspect focused, victim centred and context lead approach’ under the RaSSO National Operating model.
“This investigation is evident that relatively swift justice can be achieved and will shape the criminal justice landscape for more victims of these heinous crimes.
“Devon & Cornwall Police will continue to work to improve its service to victims and to address perpetrator behaviour. We would encourage anyone who is affected by any of these crimes, in any form, to have the confidence to report it either to the police or, if that is not the best route in the first instance for victims, through one of our partner agencies who can support them.”
Mark Major of the CPS said: “I welcome the conviction of Lewis Stewart who committed appalling offences against vulnerable females.
“I would like to commend and thank the victims for their strength in coming forward to support this prosecution and in telling what happened them.
“The CPS worked closely alongside our partners in the police to build the strongest possible case to ensure he was held responsible for these devastating crimes.
“The CPS is committed to delivering justice for the victims of rape and sexual assault, no matter how much time has passed since an offence took place. We want every victim to have the confidence that their case will be fully investigated by the police and that, in every case where our legal tests are met, the CPS will charge and prosecute”.
If you’ve been affected by anything in this news article, support is available. Please contact the police via our website here or by calling 101. Alternatively, advice and support are also offered by our partner agencies:
First light Helpline 0300 777 4777
National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
Victim Care Unit (Devon and Cornwall) 01392 475900
Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
More: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault
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