Rapist jailed after subjecting woman and child to years of horrific abuse

A man who repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted a woman over several years, while also subjecting a child to physical abuse, has been jailed.

Andrew Warren Lowe, 36, from Keighley, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday (Oct 14), after being found guilty of a series of serious offences following a trial.

He was also handed a restraining order.

The court heard that Lowe subjected the woman to sustained abuse between 2010 and 2017, repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting her.

His offending also involved coercive and controlling behaviour, physical violence and prolonged emotional abuse, leaving the victim with lasting trauma.

The offences were reported to police around three years after they had taken place, leading to a complex investigation into the non-recent allegations.

Despite the time that had passed, the victim remained engaged with the investigation and supported the case throughout.

The court also heard that Lowe physically assaulted a child, exposing him to violence and abuse in an environment where he should have felt safe.

The child's bravery during the investigation was acknowledged, alongside the lasting impact the abuse is likely to have on his life.

Throughout the investigation and trial, Lowe denied the allegations and showed no remorse or willingness to accept responsibility for his actions.

Following his conviction, Detective Sergeant Natalie Hawksworth, from North Yorkshire Police, said: “This case involved a victim being subjected to horrifying abuse over a sustained period of time. Lowe was a predator who repeatedly targeted and abused the victim for his own personal gain and sexual gratification, showing no regard for the devastating impact his actions would have.

“The bravery shown by the victim in coming forward cannot be overstated. Reporting non-recent abuse is incredibly difficult, and her unwavering support of the investigation has ensured that a dangerous individual is now behind bars and no longer poses a risk to women and children.

“The effect of these offences has caused lifelong trauma for the victim, something she will now have to live with forever. She truly deserves happiness, and I hope this sentence brings some sense of closure following such a horrendous ordeal.”

She added: “I would also like to commend the child victim in this case, who was extremely brave and should never have had to endure abuse in what should have been a safe environment. I hope that now justice has been served, he can begin to feel safe and reassured about the future.”