A mother has described her ordeal as “every parents’ worst nightmare” after setting up surveillance cameras in her home and capturing a pedophile abusing her daughter. Gary Lewin received a 13-year jail sentence for manipulating and exploiting the teenage girl, which the victim’s mother referred to as stealing her daughter’s innocence. Leeds Crown Court heard that the 42-year-old enticed the girl with gifts like a PlayStation 5, an iPhone, and jewelry, later providing her with alcohol and cannabis, and then sexually assaulting her.
Lewin, who had already admitted to multiple sexual offenses, including engaging in sexual activity with a child and inciting a child to participate in sexual acts, attended his sentencing via video link from prison. The court was informed by Prosecutor Leila Taleb that the offenses began in 2024 after Lewin’s release from prison. He bombarded the girl with numerous messages that resembled a romantic relationship.
According to Ms. Taleb, the relationship caused the girl to stop attending school. Lewin’s behavior made the girl uncomfortable as he displayed affection in public, leading people to mistake them for a couple. The court heard that Lewin gradually escalated from kissing the girl to engaging in sexual activities with her, behaving as if he were her boyfriend.
The girl eventually disclosed the abuse to a family member in February, prompting her mother and the authorities to intervene. The mother had installed cameras in the house, capturing incriminating evidence. Despite being prohibited from contacting the girl while on bail, Lewin disregarded the restrictions and was found in her company multiple times.
During the sentencing, the victim’s mother confronted Lewin, expressing the immense emotional turmoil and devastation caused by his actions. His sentence includes 12 years in prison and a one-year extended license period, with the requirement to serve at least two-thirds of the custodial term before potential parole. Additionally, Lewin was issued a sexual harm prevention order and an indefinite restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim, along with mandatory registration on the Sex Offenders’ Register.
