ANTHONY LEWIS OF BURTON LATIMER SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY CHILD ABUSE IN NORWICH AND BEYOND

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Norfolk, Surrey, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, and beyond, Anthony Lewis, a 58-year-old known locally in Burton Latimer, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young girls over a span of two decades.

Lewis, who also goes by the aliases Chaz, Chas, Charlie, and Tony, was found guilty of abusing five young girls between the years 1987 and 2007. His method of exploitation was insidious; he exploited his role as a children's entertainer to gain access to vulnerable children at talent shows, music festivals, church gatherings, and charity events. Police investigations revealed that Lewis used these platforms to target children, befriending their parents and establishing trust within community groups where young people congregated.

The court heard that Lewis’s predatory behavior was carefully calculated. He would ingratiate himself with families and organizations, knowing that his access to children would be facilitated through these connections. His criminal activities came to light after a brave victim came forward in 2017, describing her traumatic experiences and shedding light on the extent of his abuse.

During the sentencing at Norwich Crown Court, Judge Mr. Justice Shaw addressed the court and the victims directly. He praised the courage of the five women who had come forward to testify, describing their victim impact statements as some of the most heartbreaking he had ever heard. The women recounted how Lewis’s abuse had profoundly affected their lives, making it difficult for them to trust others and form healthy relationships. Many of them had endured troubled childhoods involving alcohol, drugs, and self-harm, and as adults, they relied heavily on antidepressants to cope with the trauma.

One victim, who was first assaulted at the age of five while staying in a Northamptonshire hostel, detailed her ongoing suffering. She explained that her abuse continued until she was 14, only ending when her family moved away. She expressed feelings of distrust towards men, including her own brother, and described how her childhood was marred by fear and confusion.

Lewis’s criminal record includes a previous stint in jail in 2018, where he served 17 weeks for possessing and making indecent images of children. His latest conviction includes nine counts of rape, ten counts of indecent assault, and one count of sexual assault, all committed across multiple counties. The judge emphasized that Lewis’s actions posed a continued threat to children and that only a life sentence could adequately reflect the severity of his crimes.

Addressing Lewis directly in court, Mr. Justice Shaw stated, “Only a life sentence will do to meet the continued risk you pose to young children.” Lewis, a grandfather with three children, showed no visible remorse as he was sentenced. The court’s decision underscores the gravity of his offenses and the devastating impact on his victims, who now face a long road to recovery from the trauma inflicted by his predatory actions.