A man, Lewis Vanmeer-Sheridan Milton Keynes Rapist, has been incarcerated for raping a lady he was acquainted with after proposing to provide her transport home in Northampton.
Lewis Vanmeer-Sheridan, 29, formerly of Sulman Grove, Milton Keynes, consented to escort her home in the early hours of 14 January last year following a night out.
Instead, he proceeded to a parking lot on Rushmere Road, Northampton, where he made moves towards her.
Upon her refusal, Lewis Vanmeer-Sheridan sexually assaulted her in the rear of the van.
The woman then informed Northamptonshire Police of the event, leading to the arrest and charge of Lewis Vanmeer-Sheridan for rape.
He was convicted of the felony at Northampton Crown Court on Wednesday and sentenced to eight years and four months in imprisonment.
Det Con Adam Kelly, lead investigator, said: “The bravery of this young woman has been incredible from start to finish and though this incident will never truly leave her, I hope the conclusion of this case and the prison sentence handed down to Lewis Vanmeer-Sheridan provides her with some semblance of closure.
“Lewis Vanmeer-Sheridan’s behaviour that night was abhorrent. He felt he was ‘owed’ something by agreeing to give this woman a lift and when what he wanted was rejected, he took it instead.
“Sex is never ‘owed’ in any situation and no one should ever feel like it is. Whether someone gives you a lift or spends money on you during a date, sex should never be the expected payment in return. No means no and it is as simple as that.
“I hope this case demonstrates the seriousness with which Northamptonshire Police take reports of sexual assault. We will believe you, we will support you, and we will do everything we can to bring the offender to justice.”
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