Monster rapist scarred me for life - victim

Lewis Watson told the teenager to walk with him before suggesting they find shelter from the rain

A teenager who was raped by a man who accosted her in a town centre has said she is "scarred for life" after what he did to her.

The girl, who was 17 when she was attacked, said she could no longer sleep or trust people as her rapist was jailed on Monday.

Lewis Watson, of Preston, sexually assaulted and raped her in January after approaching her as she walked to a bus stop in Burnley.

The 30-year-old was sentenced to 11 years in jail and a further eight years on licence after he pled guilty at Burnley Crown Court.

The court heard Watson, of Hazel Grove, Ribbleton, assaulted her on 29 January.

He began talking to her and when he asked for her age and she said 17, he lied and told her he was 23.

'Flashbacks'

As it was raining he suggested they find shelter in an over-hang of a shop and he sexually assaulted her there, Lancashire Police said.

The court heard he then guided her to a second location and raped her.

In a victim impact statement, the teenager said: "I can no longer sleep, I get flashbacks of that day every night.

"The image will forever be ingrained in my mind. I no longer trust people. This man scarred me for life.

"If only people knew what this monster did to me. Words just can't describe the impact this has had on me, and it will live with me for the rest of my life."

DC Jodie Nolan, of Lancashire Police, said Lewis' victim was an innocent child walking to a bus station.

"The thought of being attacked shouldn't have even crossed her mind," she said.

"I can only commend the victim for the incredible bravery and strength she has shown throughout proceedings.

"I hope that with Watson jailed, she can now begin to heal and rebuild her life."

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