Derek Lewis, a Dundee Rapist, who attempted to rape one lady and assaulted another while they were walking home from a university library in Dundee, has been sentenced to over 10 years in prison.
Derek Lewis previously attended the High Court in Edinburgh on 13 November, where he entered a guilty plea to three charges. The court was informed that the 40-year-old assaulted the initial victim following her visit to a supermarket on South Ward Road just after 9:20 PM on 20 February 2024.
He originally attempted to converse with the female student, who was unable to comprehend his words, before she moved by him. The woman was subsequently seized from behind, with the assailant muffling her cries by covering her lips with his hand.
Derek Lewis subsequently released her and fled at the passage of a vehicle. The assault was reported the subsequent day. Approximately at 11 PM that evening, three flatmates found that Derek Lewis had entered their city centre residence without their awareness or permission.
He was discovered in the bathroom, positioned near a knife that had been removed from the kitchen. A second knife was found on a chest of drawers in a bedroom after the individual was expelled from the residence. The police were summoned.
A second student was then attacked by Derek Lewis on King Street shortly after 11.30pm. He seized hold of the woman as she tried to escape before dragging her into a nearby bushy area.
The attack only ended after a member of the public heard shouts for help and confronted Derek Lewis, who ran away. Police were called and the accused was traced through CCTV footage at approximately 12.05am on 21 February 2024.
On 3 December 2024, at the High Court in Stirling, Derek Lewis was given an extended sentence of 10 years and eight months. The custodial part of the sentence was set at six years and eight months.
His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Procurator Fiscal for High Court sexual offending, Katrina Parkes, said: “Derek Lewis is a dangerous individual who preyed on these two women as they were walking home. The trauma inflicted by this type of behaviour is unimaginable.
“His offending resulted in an additional three people being left in fear after discovering him inside their home, where they should have been safe.
“I hope this prosecution brings some assurance to the local community and beyond that COPFS takes this type of criminal conduct extremely seriously.
“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of similar offending to come forward and report it. You will be listened to and supported as we use all the tools available to use to seek justice.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.