LEWIS VIDLER FROM ESTOVER JAILED FOR RAPE IN DEVON

In January 2018, a young man named Lewis Vidler, residing in Estover, was brought before the court to face serious charges related to a sexual assault. The incident, which took place on July 22, 2016, when Vidler was only 16 years old, resulted in a conviction that would have lasting repercussions for all involved.

During the court proceedings, Vidler was visibly emotional, crying as he sat in the dock while the judge delivered the sentence. The court heard that the victim, a girl who had pretended to be asleep in an attempt to halt the assault, was unable to resist or defend herself during the attack. Vidler claimed that their encounter was consensual, a statement that was ultimately rejected by the jury.

In November, after a thorough trial, the jury found Vidler guilty of rape. The judge, Ian Lawrie, sentenced him to two years and six months in a young offender institution. In his remarks, Judge Lawrie expressed regret over the severity of the sentence but emphasized that Vidler’s actions had caused significant emotional distress to the victim. The judge highlighted that her statement revealed the profound impact the assault had on her mental health and her future relationships.

As Vidler awaited his sentencing, he was visibly upset, wiping away tears in front of friends and family members who had gathered in court. The case was particularly distressing given the victim’s account of the aftermath of the assault. Heather Hope, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, detailed the victim’s ongoing struggles, including feelings of suicidal ideation and self-harm since the incident. Hope explained that the victim had been suffering from anxiety, experiencing meltdowns, and had sought counseling from a specialist support group.

Furthermore, Hope revealed that the trauma had led the young woman to develop a fear of social interactions, especially around anyone who might resemble Vidler or know him. She described how the victim’s relationship with her boyfriend had been negatively affected by the incident, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of the crime.

On the other side, Michael Green, representing Vidler, argued that the guidelines for sentencing young offenders recommend that custody should be a last resort. He pointed out that the court should consider Vidler’s welfare, especially given concerns about his learning difficulties and the potential risks he might face in prison. Green noted that reports indicated Vidler had shown limited remorse during the trial and had expressed that he never intended to hurt the victim. Despite the conviction, Vidler had lost his place at college, which added to his difficulties.

Green requested that the court consider an alternative sentence, proposing a suspended term rather than immediate imprisonment. As part of his sentence, Vidler is required to register as a sex offender for ten years, a measure intended to monitor his conduct and prevent further harm.

Overall, the case underscores the serious consequences of sexual assault and the importance of justice for victims, while also highlighting the complexities involved in sentencing young offenders.