LEWIS KNIGHT FROM BATH AND WHITEWAY SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR RAPE IN BRISTOL COURT

In a significant case that has drawn widespread attention, Lewis Knight, a former newsagent from Bath and Whiteway, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 15 years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses. The conviction was handed down at Bristol Crown Court following a detailed trial that uncovered disturbing details about his crimes and his attempt to evade justice.

Lewis Knight, who is also known by his Spanish alias Luis Caballero, was initially accused of child sex abuse in the United Kingdom. The allegations date back to the 1990s, when he was operating a newsagent in Whiteway, Bath. During this period, he was accused of grooming young girls, aged between 13 and 15, by employing manipulative tactics, including paying them higher wages to gain their trust. These girls were subjected to rape, indecent assault, and gross indecency, crimes that have now been conclusively linked to Knight.

The case took a dramatic turn when Knight, then 60 years old, fled the UK in 2000, just before he was scheduled to stand trial. It was later revealed that he had traveled to Spain, where he settled in the town of Torres de Segre, near Barcelona. His departure was facilitated by his application for a passport, which he obtained despite being under investigation. This move allowed him to evade arrest and prosecution for several years.

In 1999, Knight was arrested, interviewed, and formally charged by Avon and Somerset police. However, he was released on bail while awaiting trial. During this period, he applied for and was granted a passport, which he used to leave the country. His failure to appear in court led to the issuance of a warrant for his arrest. Despite efforts by law enforcement, he remained at large for many years, with authorities only locating him in Spain last year.

It was only in recent times that British police managed to track down Knight in the Barcelona area. His arrest marked the culmination of a lengthy investigation, and he was extradited back to the UK to face justice. The trial at Bristol Crown Court lasted less than three hours, during which the jury found him guilty of 11 charges, including rape, indecent assault, and gross indecency with a minor.

Detective Inspector Mike Williams of Avon and Somerset police expressed his satisfaction with the verdict, stating, “The verdict today was a fitting tribute to the bravery and determination shown by the three victims in this case, who were determined to ensure that Lewis Knight was held accountable for his terrible crimes.”

The court proceedings revealed that Knight’s grooming of the victims involved exploiting their trust and paying them higher wages, which facilitated his access to them. The crimes took place at a newsagents located on Mount Road, Whiteway, a location that has since changed ownership and now functions as a general store. The victims’ courage in coming forward and the diligent work of law enforcement were instrumental in bringing Knight to justice after years of evasion.