LUKE WARD FROM BILSTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ATTACK ON WOMAN IN PRINCESS ANNE ROAD

A woman endured a terrifying and prolonged 35-hour nightmare of violence, which included repeated acts of rape and stabbing, before finally managing to escape her attacker, Luke Ward. Ward, a resident of Princess Anne Road in Bilston, was found guilty of a series of heinous crimes that shocked the local community and drew widespread condemnation. His offenses ranged from attempted murder to four counts of rape and assault by penetration, highlighting the brutality of his assault.

On the night of August 18 last year, Ward forcefully entered the victim’s home, unleashing a savage attack that would leave lasting scars both physically and psychologically. During this ordeal, he subjected her to sustained, sadistic violence, including attempts to suffocate her with a pillow, stabbing her in the neck, and strangulation. The victim described the attack as a harrowing experience, where Ward appeared to give her a cruel choice of how to die, intensifying the horror of the situation.

In a particularly disturbing act, Ward allowed her to record messages for her family, including birthday and Christmas greetings, after he had already rendered her near death. This act of depravity was coupled with his refusal to provide her with medical assistance, leaving her to suffer in agony. The victim recounted feeling as if the ordeal lasted a lifetime, and she expressed deep fears about the lasting impact on her mental health. She revealed that she begged to call her family for help, but her pleas were ignored. Instead, she was permitted to record farewell messages, which she now finds profoundly degrading and traumatic.

Following her escape, she was rushed to hospital where she received treatment for her neck wound. The injury resulted in nerve damage and ongoing health complications. The trauma of the attack has left her with persistent panic attacks, anxiety, and a severe difficulty in leaving her home alone. She stated, “I believe that if I hadn’t got out the flat when I did I’d be dead,” underscoring the life-threatening nature of her ordeal.

Luke Ward faced justice in court and was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 14 years and 58 days. His sentence was reduced from an initial 33 years, owing to his guilty pleas and the time he has already served. Additionally, Ward was ordered to register as a sex offender and was issued a restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Bilston, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by violent offenders and the importance of justice for victims of such heinous crimes.