DANIEL LEWIS FROM MOUNTAIN ASH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON YOUNG GIRL IN MOUNTAIN ASH

In March 2013, a disturbing case unfolded involving Daniel Lewis, a 54-year-old mathematics teacher and private tutor from Mountain Ash, who was convicted of serious sexual offenses against a young girl. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the crimes and the fact that Lewis, who was employed at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School, admitted to all charges prior to his trial.

The allegations stemmed from incidents that occurred in November 2011, when Lewis was visiting the girl’s home. The young girl, who was not a student at the school where Lewis taught, was asleep when the events took place. According to the prosecution, Lewis entered her bedroom during the early hours of the morning and took photographs of her using his mobile phone, which flashed brightly and woke her up. He then lifted her blanket and engaged in sexual touching despite her attempts to make him stop, showing signs of fear and distress.

Prosecutor Caroline Rees detailed that Lewis touched her abdomen and chest, pulling up her clothing in the process. The girl, frightened and feeling threatened, pretended to wake up in an effort to deter him. However, Lewis persisted, waiting until he believed she had fallen back asleep before continuing his assault. The girl confided in a school friend in January 2012, which led to her family’s knowledge of the incident and subsequent police investigation.

Lewis was arrested, and authorities discovered the photographs he had taken that night stored on his computer. An analysis of his digital activity revealed a disturbing pattern of searches related to young children. During police interviews, Lewis claimed that the girl might have taken the photographs herself and attempted to blame a virus for the search history, a defense that was not accepted by the court.

The court heard that this was a persistent series of sexual assaults, with the prosecution emphasizing the severity and repeated nature of Lewis’s actions. The victim’s mother provided a heartfelt victim impact statement, expressing her grief and the loss of her daughter’s innocence, stating, “Her innocence has been taken away and nobody will ever be able to get that back for her.” She described the family’s devastation and their ongoing pain, questioning whether they could have prevented the abuse.

In his defense, John Ryan QC argued that Lewis’s character was tarnished and that he had suffered significant losses, including his job, reputation, pension, and home. He insisted that there was no grooming involved and characterized the incident as a moment of madness rather than predatory behavior.

Ultimately, Recorder John Jenkins QC sentenced Lewis to a total of five years and ten months in prison. The judge commented on the dark side of Lewis’s sexual nature that was revealed during the incident, attributing it partly to alcohol and opportunity. He acknowledged the profound emotional impact on the victim, emphasizing the humiliation, distress, and indignity caused.

Lewis was also ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, and he was subjected to a 10-year sexual offences prevention order that restricted his contact with children under 16. Additionally, a 10-year restraining order was imposed, and he was disqualified from working with children for an indefinite period, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the protection of minors in Mountain Ash and beyond.