Gary Lewin, from Huddersfield, has been jailed after he manipulated and sexually abused a teenage girl, beginning by sending her messages and gifts including jewellery
A mum says she has been living “every parents’ worst nightmare” after installing CCTV at her home and catching a paedophile abusing her daughter.
Gary Lewin has been jailed for an extended term of 13 years after he manipulated and abused the teenage girl, with the victim’s mum saying he “stole her daughter’s innocence”. Leeds Crown Court heard how the 42-year-old bought her a PlayStation 5, an iPhone, and jewellery before supplying her with alcohol and cannabis and sexually assaulting her.
Lewin, who had previously admitted to a series of sex offences, including sexual activity with a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, appeared in court via video link from prison to be sentenced.
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Prosecutor Leila Taleb told the court the offending began in 2024, following Lewin’s most recent release from prison. In addition to gifts, he sent a “plethora” of messages to the girl, which were more akin to a romantic relationship.
Ms Taleb stated: “As soon as the relationship took off, she stopped going to school. On the third occasion that they were spending time together he gave her an iPhone Pro Max and they went to buy her a phone case… and he put his arm around her and was touchy feely to the point people thought they were a couple and it made her feel uncomfortable.
“She did say that was something that didn’t feel right. He would regularly go to her house and they would spend time together and they would watch movies and fall asleep together and would cuddle through the night.”
The court was told Lewin began by kissing the girl before his actions escalated to sexual activity with her. Ms Taleb stated: “He would message her like he was her boyfriend.” It was reported that on one occasion, the pair smoked cannabis together before engaging in sexual activity.
In February, the girl revealed what had been happening to a family member, leading to her mother and the police being notified. Ms Taleb added that the girl’s mum had previously “suspected something” and had installed cameras in the house which captured an incident, reported YorkshireLive.
The prosecutor continued: “He was arrested and put on bail which consisted of him not contacting her but he didn’t abide by that. She was reported as a missing person and found in the company of the defendant the next day, Valentine’s Day. She was interviewed on a number of occasions and she said then that it was her mum that had made her say these things [the allegations].
“When officers confirmed with her that her mum had made her say this, she made it clear it wasn’t the case. She sought to protect him. She was then found with him at an AirBnB in August 2024. The defendant had plied her with drink – bottles of which had been found by the police – which she said had made her feel floppy as a result.
“They were in bed listening to music and kissing and cuddling and they had sex. He gave ‘no comment’ interviews except to say that she must have been forced to give these allegations out of revenge.”
The courageous mother of the girl confronted Lewin, of Rawthorpe, Huddersfield, as he appeared via video link from HMP Leeds. In a victim impact statement, the girl’s mum said: “February 3rd 2024 is a day I will never forget and the day any parents’ worst nightmare came true.
“21 months of pure hell – I don’t know if it will ever end. Every day I have battled through panic attacks, depression and thoughts of even taking my own life, so much so I have been medicated to help me cope, all while having to help my once-bubbly, caring daughter who has been turned into a broken mess, who is too scared to sleep because of nightmares she has had to due this trauma.
“Every day I blamed myself but I’m not to blame for what this disgusting predator has done. He chose to rip away her routine and steal her innocence. Not only has he destroyed her and all she will ever know, but the impact it has had on the rest of my family and friends is soul destroying. Everyone is trying to help fix us but how are they trying to help us fix something they didn’t break?
“It is impossible to put into words what he has done and what he is still doing to us all. I’m scared of what the future holds. We’re living with a life sentence… I hope the sentence is enough to make sure his lies and manipulation can’t hurt another child. Even a life sentence will never be enough but to make sure we have closure and I have a lifetime to help my baby rebuild. I will make sure she is not just a survivor, she is our little warrior.”
His Honour Judge Khokhar sentenced Lewin to an extended term of 13 years, comprising 12 years in prison and a one-year extended licence period. He will serve two-thirds of the custodial term before appearing before the Parole Board who will decide if he is safe for release.
Lewin was also subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and an indefinite restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim, and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register.
