Man who raped and strangled woman after walking her home from Burnley pub jailed

The attack occurred after Christian Lewis and his victim, a woman in her 40s, were having a drink at a local pub in August 2024.

After walking her home, he grabbed her by the hair and began to assault her. He then raped her after making threats.

The victim managed to flee and reported the crime to the police.

Lewis, of no fixed abode, was arrested and later charged with rape, assault causing actual bodily harm and non-fatal strangulation.

The 34-year-old pleaded guilty at Burnley Crown Court on Monday, February 17.

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He was jailed for life with a minimum term of seven years after appearing at Preston Crown Court today.

This means that Lewis will have to serve a minimum of seven years before he can apply for parole.

Det Chief Laura Jenkins, from Lancashire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, said: “Lewis attacked his victim in the place she should feel the safest: her own home.

“We welcome the custodial sentence handed down today, and hope that this shows that sexual offences will never be tolerated in Lancashire.

“I hope that the victim can now begin to rebuild her life knowing that the man responsible for this attack is behind bars.”

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Det Chief Jodie Nolan, also from Lancashire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team said: “I want to praise Lewis’ victim for the bravery she has shown throughout the investigation.

“I hope that this will show just how seriously we take these crimes.

“If you are a victim of any sexual offence, please know that we will listen to you, we will investigate, and we will do all we can to bring the person responsible to justice.”

You can report to us on 101 or online here: Report an Incident - Lancashire Constabulary - Report Online