Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Friday 2nd May 2025 at 15:05hrs
Christian Lewis, 34, of no fixed abode, has been jailed for life with a minimum term of seven years for a brutal rape committed in a woman’s Burnley home. The sentencing took place today at Preston Crown Court.
The court heard that in August 2024, Lewis and his victim, a woman in her 40s, were at a local pub. Lewis offered to walk her home, but upon arrival at her residence, he subjected her to a horrific attack. He grabbed her by the hair, assaulted her, made threats, and then raped her in the very place she should have felt most secure.
The brave victim managed to escape and immediately reported the crime to the authorities. Following a thorough investigation by Lancashire Police, Lewis was apprehended and charged with rape, assault causing actual bodily harm, and non-fatal strangulation. He pleaded guilty to all charges at Burnley Crown Court on Monday, February 17th.
Detective Constable Laura Jenkins from the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team condemned Lewis’s actions, stating,
“Lewis attacked his victim in the place she should feel the safest: her own home. We welcome the life sentence handed down today, and hope that this shows that sexual offences will never be tolerated in Lancashire. I hope that the victim can now begin to rebuild her life knowing that the man responsible for this attack is behind bars.”
Detective Constable Jodie Nolan, also part of the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, praised the victim’s courage throughout the ordeal.
“I want to praise Lewis’ victim for the incredible sense of bravery she has shown throughout the investigation. I hope that this will show just how seriously we take these crimes. If you are 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.”
Lancashire Police emphasized their commitment to supporting victims of sexual offenses and urged anyone who has experienced such a crime to come forward.
They can be contacted by calling 101 or online at https://orlo.uk/9oFlO.
The sentencing brings to a close a harrowing chapter for the victim, who authorities hope can now find some solace in knowing her attacker will spend a significant time behind bars.
Lancashire Police described Lewis as “nothing short of a monster” for his heinous crime.
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