Lewis Miller, 25, of Hankinson Street in Old Swan, was jailed for seven years at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday after being found guilty of rape and assault by penetration. The court heard that Miller let himself into the victim's home uninvited before subjecting her to a harrowing sexual assault that left her with significant psychological harm.
Victim's Emotional Testimony
The victim fought back tears as she delivered a powerful impact statement from the witness box. She said: 'The day I was raped altered my life forever. I felt disgusting. I felt like a disgrace to my father. I felt like I didn't have value being alive anymore. It's ruined the very essence of who I am. The shame I felt is unbearable. My poor father has to watch his little girl fall apart and can't control it. I'm left paranoid, having nightmares, feeling anxious and destroyed.'
Her father also addressed the court, describing the moment he learned of the attack. He said: 'At 11.30am, I got a phone call that changed me forever. [My daughter] told me she'd been sexually assaulted and raped. As a loving father, I can only think of one thing worse. She always looked to see the best in anyone. She no longer sees the best in people. Sitting through the court case, we heard things that no parent should ever have to hear. He violated her.'
Prosecution and Defence Details
Robert Dudley, prosecuting, outlined how the attack left the victim with 'significant psychological harm'. Miller, who has one previous conviction for unrelated offences, refused to accept his guilt and showed no remorse. Martine Snowdon, defending, highlighted Miller's mental health issues and history of self-harm, noting he was only 22 at the time of the offence. She said: 'This is his first custodial sentence. He is, effectively, hitherto a man of good character. His trepidation and fear for the future, his knowledge that it is a long prison sentence he is looking at, make it difficult to come to terms with.'
Sentencing and Judge's Remarks
Sentencing, Judge Dennis Watson KC said: 'You took advantage of her sexually for your own pleasure. You let yourself into her own home, where she should have been able to feel secure. You were only 22 at the time, and you are effectively someone with no relevant previous convictions. Your age and lack of maturity is accepted as a mitigating feature.'
In addition to the seven-year prison sentence, Miller was handed a restraining order banning him from contacting his victim and will be required to sign the sex offenders' register for life.
