Hereford woman found guilty of child sexual offences

A woman from Hereford who has been on trial at Worcester Crown Court, has today been found guilty of sexual offences committed in 2021.

Patricia Lewis who is 22 years-old and on remand at HMP Eastwood Park was on trial for child sexual offences of a boy who was 14-years-old at the time. The trial, which concluded today, found Lewis guilty of the following counts:

• One count of causing a child to engage in penetrative sexual activity
• Two counts of sexual activity with a child

Following the verdict, Detective Constable Christine Watkins said: “This was a complex and challenging case and one that should remind offenders, of either gender, that sexually abusing children will not be tolerated and will be punished. 

“I cannot praise the victim enough, or his family, for showing such courage and determination in bringing these offences to our attention, speaking openly and honestly about their abuse and then living the experience of the trial. My hope is that this verdict provides some measure of closure for them all.

"I would like to thank everyone who supported the victim and the family through what has been an understandably upsetting time, from the legal team to the witnesses. And I would like to remind any victim of sexual abuse, of rape, of assault that they will find police officers ready to listen and they will be supported by us throughout the process.”

Lewis will be sentenced at Worcester Crown Court on Friday 28 April 2023.