Burton Latimer 'predatory paedophile' sentenced to life imprisonment

A 58-year-old man from Burton Latimer has been jailed for life for abusing children over three decades.

Anthony Lewis, of Yeomans Court, Meeting Lane, Burton Latimer, appeared at Norwich Crown Court today (Thursday) where he was sentenced to 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to nine counts of rape, 10 indecent assaults, and one count of sexual assault.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Verity Holmes, from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, said: "I welcome the significant sentence passed at court today but it’s important not to lose sight that even though Lewis will now spend a considerable time in prison, his victims will have to live with the impact of his abuse for the rest of their lives.

"Lewis was a predatory paedophile who would target children’s talent shows, music festivals, church and charity groups, where he knew children would be present and have opportunity to abuse them."

Lewis, who also went by the names Chaz, Chas, Charlie and Tony, worked as an entertainer and targeted victims by setting up talent show companies and promising to get children gigs and make them famous.

Norwich Crown Court heard he would befriend parents of vulnerable children and make links with church and charity groups where he knew the children would be present.

He committed multiple offences against each girl, who were all aged between four to 17 and assaulted between 1987 and 2007. The offences happened in Norfolk, Surrey, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and London.

Statements from victims were read in court, describing how the abuse has affected their lives, relationships, mental health and caused struggles with alcohol and drug abuse.

One said: "I felt I couldn’t be around boys or men at all, including my own brother. I couldn’t trust him. The relationship with my brother has never been the same since."

Another said: "He took away my innocence, my childhood and my ability to form relationships with others."

Another victim said: "I don’t trust anybody, not even my own family. I’ve had nightmares for as long as I can remember. I would be chased by a shadowy figure. I would be running, screaming, but no one could hear. That room – it’s always in that room but now as an adult I feel stuck in there and can’t get out."

The investigation into his crimes began in September 2017 when one of the victims reported historic abuse to the police.

Lewis was arrested in October 2017 and devices seized at his home address in Burton Latimer contained indecent images of children.

He pleaded guilty to making and possessing indecent images of children and was sentenced to a 17-week prison sentence suspended for two years, a five year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and he was put on the Sex Offenders Register.

Meanwhile, police continued to investigate his other offences which he was sentenced for today. Lewis was handed a 22-year life sentence and will serve a minimum of 11 years before being considered for release.

Sentencing Lewis, Judge Andrew Shaw said: "You have admitted the most egregious appalling campaign of sexual abuse over 20 years. Each of your victims was a child you owed a duty of care to…you abused your position of trust.

"The victim personal statements were among the saddest and most upsetting I’ve ever heard. No underestimation you have ruined their lives. They have suffered the most severe psychological harm at your hands."

Following the sentencing, a spokesman for the NSPCC said: "Lewis led a horrific campaign of calculated abuse that stretched across three long decades and left a trail of trauma along the way.

"Thanks to the bravery of his victims in recounting their life-changing ordeals, this horrendous abuse has finally come to an end and Lewis has been brought to justice.

"Speaking out about child sexual abuse is incredibly difficult for survivors of this awful crime but this case shows that they will be listened to, no matter how much time has passed."

DC Holmes said: "Every allegation of child abuse is fully investigated by Norfolk Police, with specialist officers guiding victims through the process. Support and advice is available from a range of agencies we work closely with towards the successful prosecution of offenders."

Anyone who may have been affected by anything raised in this case can call police on 101.

If you’re an adult concerned about the well-being of a child you can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. You can also receive advice about non-recent abuse from the NSPCC.

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