Cliff Lewthwaite

Cliff Lewthwaite, a 65-year-old man who resided in Bromley during his late teens and early 20s, has been sentenced to an additional 10 years in prison for a series of horrific sexual abuses against a young girl starting from the age of eight. The case, heard at Woolwich Crown Court, highlights a disturbing pattern of child sex offences committed by Lewthwaite, who was already serving an 18-year sentence from 2019 for abusing two other children.

The court proceedings on Tuesday, 21 October 2024, resulted in Lewthwaite being found guilty by a jury on 13 counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted rape of a child. Judge Philip Shorrock described the offences as a 'campaign of serious sexual abuse' against the victim, emphasising the profound impact on her life. Despite appearing as a respectable and hard-working member of society—having worked as a butcher, milkman, and pub manager—Lewthwaite's actions revealed a predatory nature hidden beneath this facade.

Lewthwaite, currently held at HMP Belmarsh, was anticipating release in September 2027 after serving half of his existing 18-year term. However, the new sentence will commence only after completion of his current imprisonment, extending his time behind bars significantly. The Metropolitan Police provided key evidence in the case, with images and details supporting the prosecution's narrative of repeated abuse during Lewthwaite's time in Bromley.

During the hearing, it was revealed that Lewthwaite now leads a 'lonely existence' in segregation from other prisoners due to the nature of his crimes, and he has not received visitors in seven years. Judge Shorrock's ruling underscores the severity of paedophilic offences, ensuring prolonged incarceration to protect the public. This case was reported exclusively by News Shopper, drawing on court records and police statements for a comprehensive account.