Croydon Rapist Locked Up for 12 Years After Brutal Attack
A Croydon man has been sentenced to 12 years behind bars for a savage rape and assault, following an intense eight-day trial at Guildford Crown Court.
Luke Sewell’s Sickening Crime
Luke Sewell, 30, from Westgate Road, Croydon, was arrested by the Met Police on 9 April after a woman bravely reported she had been raped and assaulted the day before.
The victim, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, used sheer courage and cunning to escape. She convinced Sewell to drive her to a London self-storage company “to collect her belongings” so she could move out. Staff at the site kept her safe until police arrived.
Hours of Horror
During the attack in a property in Dunsfold, Sewell reportedly subjected the woman to hours of abuse, including forcing her to endure a freezing cold shower for an hour before raping her.
In a moving impact statement, the victim said: “I am still suffering with the injuries to my chest that Luke inflicted upon me. I can’t go to the gym because of my injuries – it was a vital part of managing my MS and building strength.”
She added: “What happened has made me develop habits of constantly proving myself to my partner. I want to break free from that control and fear.”
Justice Served
Detective Constable Mike Powell of the Sexual Offences Investigation Team said: “The extreme violence and degradation inflicted on the victim horrified the jury, who found Sewell guilty of rape and causing actual bodily harm.
“The victim showed remarkable courage. Thanks to her bravery, a dangerous sexual offender is now behind bars and can no longer hurt others.”
“Surrey Police sends a strong message: sexual violence will not be tolerated, and we will fight to bring offenders to justice.”
On 28 November, Judge Rufus Taylor sentenced Sewell to 12 years in prison with an additional three years on licence due to the dangerousness of his crimes. An indefinite restraining order was also granted.
The Judge said the victim had suffered severe degradation and humiliation, with violence used to force her submission to the rape.
This verdict brings relief to the victim and the community, reminding offenders that justice will always catch up with them.
