Lewis Westwood

Lewis Westwood, aged 31 from Brisco Road in Egremont, Cumbria, was convicted at Preston Crown Court of six counts of sexual activity with a child after a trial. The offences occurred in April 2023, when Westwood isolated his young victim inside a house in Leyland and carried out the sexual assaults. The victim reported the incidents to authorities in June 2023, prompting an investigation by Lancashire Police.

In a poignant victim impact statement read to the court, the girl described the profound and lasting effects of Westwood's actions on her life. 'Since this has happened, my emotional, physical, and mental health has deteriorated, and my life has been put on hold for the last three years,' she wrote. 'Having to talk to police officers about it and be asked questions about it both in suites and at court kept it haunting me. It hasn’t just affected me; it affected my work, my social life, and I can’t see a future where I will just ‘move on’ from this. I find myself forever doubting people’s intentions, and this has meant that no matter who I come across, I push people away. The whole experience has left me feeling very lonely.' This testimony highlighted the severe trauma inflicted by Westwood's predatory behaviour.

Westwood returned to Preston Crown Court on 9 February 2024 for sentencing. The judge imposed a 12-year sentence, comprising an eight-year custodial term and a four-year extended licence period to protect the public. Additionally, Westwood was made subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and required to sign the sex offenders' register for life. The sentencing reflected the gravity of his crimes against a vulnerable child.

Detective Constable Cora Cook from Lancashire Police's Preston Child Protection Team commented on the case, stating: 'Lewis Westwood is a dangerous and persistent sexual predator who targeted a vulnerable girl for his own sordid sexual intentions. I welcome the sentence which reflects the seriousness of the offending and the danger Westwood poses to female children.' She also praised the victim's bravery throughout the legal process. The case was reported by the Lancashire Telegraph, drawing on details from court proceedings and police statements.