In 2022, Luke Anderson, the Hastings Rapist, attacked the adolescent while she was seated at an underpass in Wellington Place, Hastings, on Saturday, January 29.
An eyewitness intervened in the assault, restraining Luke Anderson from the victim, and subsequently contacted the authorities.
The witness identified Luke Anderson upon his return to the scene, leading to the arrest of the 37-year-old.
Luke Anderson was accused of rape and entered a plea of not guilty during a session at Brighton Magistrates’ Court.
He was detained until trial and consistently asserted his innocence before a comprehensive investigation, including interviews with numerous witnesses in the vicinity.
An examination of CCTV footage in the town centre positioned Luke Anderson at the location, and DNA analysis connected him to the victim.
A unanimous jury convicted him of attempted rape, resulting in a sentence of seven and a half years in jail. Luke Anderson, who is unemployed and lacks a permanent residence, will be permanently registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register.
The victim, aged 17 at the time of the assault, has received help from specialised police throughout the inquiry.
Detective Sergeant Jess Langlands of the Hastings Safeguarding Investigations Team stated, “I commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward and assisting the investigation, as well as all the witnesses who contributed to our case.”
“Special acknowledgement is due to the courageous bystander who intervened during the assault and recognised Luke Anderson upon his return to the location.”
“Luke Anderson is an opportunist who intentionally targeted a young, solitary woman.” The victim’s resilience and resolve have facilitated the removal of a perilous predator from our streets; yet, I recognise that this does not mitigate the repercussions of his assault on her.
“We urge all victims of sexual abuse or assault to report to the police, enabling us to bring these perpetrators to justice.”
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