Lewis Melvin 24

Description

A dangerous man who attempted to rape a teenager on a bus has been given an extended 11-year prison sentence.

Lewis Melvin, 24, smiled, laughed, and fidgeted as he appeared via video link from HMP Leeds at Bradford Crown Court.

Judge Ahmed Nadim said Melvin showed no remorse for his targeted and brazen attack, deeming him a danger to the public.

He imposed eight years in custody plus three years on license, stating a determinate sentence “would not adequately protect the public.”

The judge told Melvin: “These offences were committed with striking audacity in broad daylight and unashamedly on a public bus, demonstrating your willingness to commit serious sexual violence even when the risk of detection was high.

“This is a very concerning feature of your offending behaviour.”

Melvin, of Owlet Grange in Shipley, was found guilty after a disruptive trial, during which he masturbated at one point.

The court heard the “brazen” attempted rape and multiple sexual assaults on the victim occurred on a public bus in March last year.

In mitigation, Nicholas Leadbeater said: “There is no mention of any other member of the public having seen what took place or having been alarmed by what took place.”

He described Melvin as “a young man with unstable mental health” possibly caused by drug misuse.

Sentencing, Judge Nadim said: “The total lack of insight into your offending I find most troubling.

“You told a probation officer ‘I did what I did’ and suggested that it may have been okay if she was okay with it.

“You have shown no genuine remorse, no understanding of the profound harm and distress you caused, and no appreciation of how your behaviour was criminal and morally wrong.

“This absence of insight is highly relevant.”

Noting Melvin's long-standing mental health issues and history of misusing drugs like cannabis, cocaine, and nitrous oxide, the judge added: “In the light of the pre-sentence report and psychiatric report, and the evidence that I heard at the trial … I find that these matters are of some grave concern to me.

“Firstly, the commission of an offence involving the targeting of a stranger.

“Secondly, the offence was committed in broad daylight on a public bus with you showing no fear of being caught.

“I therefore find you dangerous [and that] you present a serious risk of harm to members of the public.”

He imposed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a 15-year restraining order, and required Melvin to register as a sex offender.